Who are London City Lionesses?

"London City Lionesses are the newest arrivals in the Women's Super League, have been well backed financially and are built to challenge for the biggest prizes. The Lionesses may prove uncomfortably 'noisy neighbours' for reigning WSL champions Chelsea and Champions League winners Arsenal as the 2025-26 domestic season begins. London City are the only WSL team to not have an affiliated men's team."

"They were promoted to the WSL as winners of last season's Championship - the competition now known as WSL 2. They play home matches at Hayes Lane - a stadium they share with Bromley, who play in League Two in men's football. There is no connection on the playing side between the teams. London City will make their WSL debuts against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 6 September at 13:30 BST, live on BBC One."

"London City began life as Millwall Lionesses before a split from the affiliated men's side was announced in 2019, heralding the formation of a new, independent club. The Lionesses were funded by entrepreneur Anthony Culligan, with his then wife Diane Culligan serving as chairwoman. However, there were concerns over the financial stability of the club and a number of members of staff left despite a strong 2022-23 Championship season. In June 2023 all 20 players signed a letter urging the owners to seek new investors or a potential buyer, and the Culligans later sold the club to American businesswoman Michele Kang."

"The club has been transformed under the leadership of Kang, whose wealth has been estimated at $1.2bn (890m) by Forbes. She bought the Lionesses in December 2023, when the team were on the brink of liquidation. Kang is also involved in other women's football teams - she is the majority owner of US team Washington Spirit and French side Lyon. Six months after Kang's purchase of London City, Jocelyn Precheur was hired as manager."

London City Lionesses have been promoted to the Women's Super League and arrive with significant financial backing aimed at competing for major honours. The club is the only WSL team without an affiliated men's side and plays home matches at Hayes Lane, a ground shared with Bromley. London City will make their top-flight debut against Arsenal at the Emirates on 6 September. The club began as Millwall Lionesses and split from the men's side in 2019. Financial instability under the Culligans led to staff departures and a player-led call for new investment, culminating in Michele Kang's December 2023 purchase and subsequent managerial appointment.

Read at www.bbc.com