Sisterhood of Soccer: OL Reign Hosts UEFA Women’s Champions League Winner Olympique Lyonnais
OL Reign today announced a series of U.S. events with its sister team Olympique Lyonnais (OL) that bring together two storied clubs that share a winning culture, and, above all, two clubs on a mission, embracing women’s soccer as a force for good by empowering women & girls globally. The clubs are both owned by OL Groupe, which acquired the Reign in 2019.
OL arrive in Seattle Aug. 13, and will be honored during a halftime ceremony during the Reign’s Aug. 14 match against NJ/NY Gotham FC. OL then head to Portland, Ore., where they will play against Chelsea FC in the first round of the Women's International Champions Cup Tournament Aug. 17. OL Reign will make their way to Louisville, Ky. to compete in The Women’s Cup.
“We couldn't be more pleased to strengthen our unity in welcoming Olympique Lyonnais to Seattle,” said OL Reign CEO Vincent Berthillot. “These world-class players embody the mission and drive to win that have inspired soccer fans across the globe, from Seattle to Lyon. Together, our clubs play for future generations of women and girls who will know what being a champion looks like: winners on the pitch and defenders of a more inclusive and sustainable world off the pitch.”
“Having these two amazing teams together in Seattle is an opportunity to celebrate our engagement in the women’s game and our commitment to gender equity,” said OL Head of International Women’s Football Sophie Sauvage. “Football is for everyone and this conviction has driven us for two decades. We are excited to expand a bold strategy and deepen our investment in both cities, starting with academies.”
Fans recognize a diversity of global superstars and Women’s World Cup standouts on both rosters, but their impact together, and with the support of OL Groupe, sets them apart beyond statistics and records. Both teams are made up of legends and historic changemakers who lead with their values. Together they build the future of women’s sport, inspiring people every day through their voice and their actions, enhancing the lasting impacts of fair play, sisterhood and hard work.
The OL family includes some of the most well-known and awarded players and coaches in the world. In 2019, Reign forward Megan Rapinoe won the Ballon d’Or; in 2018 it was awarded to OL’s Ada Hegerberg. Reign Head Coach Laura Harvey won the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Coach of the Year in 2014, 2015 and 2021. Lyon Head Coach Sonia Bompastor is the only woman to have won the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Women's Champions League as both player (2011, 2012) and coach (2022).
OL has won 15 league titles since 2004 and claimed a record-breaking 8th UEFA Women’s Champions League this year. In its first nine seasons, OL Reign captured the NWSL Shield twice, and made five postseason appearances.
The international sorority the OL women’s teams share is unlike any model in professional sports. The clubs are true peers and aim to foster opportunities within the group. After several OL Reign players trained in Lyon in 2020 (including Bethany Balcer and Sofia Huerta), France’s #1 goal scorer (of any gender) Eugénie Le Sommer, Dszenifer Maroszan and Sarah Bouhaddi spent the 2021 season playing for OL Reign on loan from OL.
Common history between the clubs had already started when Megan Rapinoe played with OL back in 2013 and ‘14. Wales’ top female player and OL Reign legend, Jess Fishlock, spent the 2019 season playing for OL, bringing her European Championship experience back to the NWSL and winning the highest honor of the league last season, Most Valuable Player. The international exchanges don’t end there, OL’s most recent championship squad featured USWNT stars Lindsey Horan and Catarina Macario.
“When joining OL Reign, I was able to bring the experience that I had acquired at OL, but also to provide myself and the team everything that the Reign could bring us,” said Le Sommer. “Knowledge is born from exchange. By uniting two of the best teams in the world, OL has developed a unique platform in the women's game. I'm very excited to be back in the US this summer with OL and to have a chance to spend a couple of days in Seattle and see my teammates."
Their joint vision extends off the pitch as well. Both clubs act as pioneers and are willing to lead the change to generate a positive impact on society and the environment. From individual player efforts, changes of team operations and support from new partnerships, both clubs have made great strides towards building a better future.
More details about media opportunities with the teams and players will be announced in the lead up to OL’s arrival, including a halftime ceremony at the Aug. 14 match, and a photo opportunity on the Lumen Field concourse with their Ligue des Champions trophy from capturing the 2022 UEFA Women's Champions League title.