Lyon, April 14 – In a significant development for Olympique Lyonnais, American billionaire Michele Kang, currently a minority owner, is reportedly preparing to purchase the club. This move comes after she played a crucial role in saving OL from administrative relegation in 2025.
Michele Kang Poised for OL Takeover
A surprise announcement from Olympique Lyonnais indicates that American businesswoman Michele Kang, who is a minority shareholder and CEO of Eagle Football Group (formerly OL Group), is gearing up for a potential acquisition of the Lyon football club. This information was revealed in a company statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Independent Committee Formed to Address Potential Conflicts
To prevent any conflicts of interest should its CEO decide to acquire shares currently held by the Eagle Bidco holding company, the Board of Directors of Eagle Football Group has established an independent committee. This London-based holding company, which is the majority shareholder of OL, was placed under judicial administration at the end of March, effectively removing American John Textor, former head of OL, from its leadership.
This procedure “is likely to result in a change of control of the Company followed by a mandatory public offer for its shares,” meaning a sale of Eagle Bidco’s shares in the club, as stated by Eagle Football Group. The formation of the independent committee addresses “potential conflicts of interest that could arise if the CEO were to be involved in this operation,” the statement clarifies.
Minority Shareholder’s Growing Influence
This ad hoc committee, comprising three independent directors, is tasked with “monitoring the administration process” and, “if necessary,” issuing “a recommendation to the board of directors on the interest of a potential public offer.” Eagle Football Group also specified that it “may be required to share confidential information with third parties interested in acquiring the shares held by Eagle Bidco.”
Such commitments have already been signed, on the one hand, with Eagle Bidco, particularly for the purpose of seeking a “potential buyer” for its assets, and on the other hand, with “a consortium consisting of the Ares Capital fund and an affiliate of Michele Kang.”
OL’s Narrow Escape from Ligue 2
After narrowly avoiding administrative relegation at the end of the 2024-25 season due to its significant debt, OL has been led by the Michele Kang-Michael Gerlinger duo since June 30, 2025. Kang was also appointed CEO of Eagle Football Group by Ares, the American fund that took operational control of the club after lending 425 million to Textor during the acquisition of OL in 2022.
At the time of Eagle Bidco’s judicial administration, the Rhône club had specified that its governance and its “daily operations” were “not affected.” This potential acquisition by Michele Kang marks a pivotal moment for Olympique Lyonnais, signaling a new chapter in the club’s ownership and strategic direction. The ongoing developments will be closely watched by fans, stakeholders, and the wider football community as the future of one of France’s most prominent clubs unfolds.
The announcement underscores the complex financial landscape of modern football and the increasing involvement of international investors. Michele Kang’s previous intervention to stabilize the club’s financial situation highlights her commitment to OL, and her potential full ownership could usher in a period of renewed stability and ambition for the team.
The independent committee’s role will be crucial in ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the acquisition process, safeguarding the interests of all parties involved. As the situation evolves, further details regarding the terms of the potential acquisition and its long-term implications for Olympique Lyonnais are expected to emerge.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-coup-de-theatre-a-l-ol-la-milliardaire-americaine-michele-kang-se-prepare-a-racheter-le-club_64140888.html
