The Relationship Between OL Reign and Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is one of the most well-known French soccer clubs. Interestingly enough, it is linked to the NWSL’s own OL Reign, but it wasn’t always like that. Here’s all you need to know about the two clubs’ relationship.
Ownership
The official relationship between OL Reign and Olympique Lyonnais started two years ago. The parent company of Lyon, OL Groupe, acquired the majority stake of OL Reign, formerly Reign FC, at the end of 2019, with the deal becoming official in January of 2020. As a result, Lyon’s parent company now owns an 89.5% stake in the club.
Before this deal was complete, it was long rumored that the Olympique Lyonnais ownership group was interested in getting involved with the NWSL, whether buying a new team or buying an already established club. Additionally, there was talk that they were eyeing Miami before acquiring the Reign.
Lyon is one of the biggest clubs and brands in the women’s soccer world, so to have such a club giant involved with the NWSL is a big deal.
Part of the purchase included a rebrand for the club, previously known as the Reign FC. The club changed to OL Reign, new team colors, and a brand new team crest. Previously, at the start of 2019, Reign FC already relocated from Seattle to Tacoma and was renamed from the Seattle Reign FC to simply Reign FC.
It also means that players could go between the two teams a lot easier than they previously could, bringing some exciting star power to the NWSL.
Loaning Players
The NWSL has attracted some high-profile international talent throughout the years, and this acquisition has made it easier for players from Lyon to experience the American league. The styles of the French league and the NWSL are very different, so some players are looking to experience both to improve their game.
Lyon has been the premiere landing spot for many star players, so the prospect of bringing some of those over to OL Reign is a good thing for the NWSL.
In April and May, the OL Reign announced the signings of Dzsenifer Marozsán, Eugénie Le Sommer, and Sarah Bouhaddi from the French side for the 2021 season. All three are great international talent that have helped OL Reign tremendously this season as they look to secure a playoff spot. It will also allow Lyon to sign players from the Reign squad that wish to play overseas for the French side.
In fact, the Reign team and Lyon had a relationship before their official one. Current OL Reign players such Sofia Huerta, Bethany Balcer, Megan Rapinoe, and Jess Fishlock played in France for Lyon in prior seasons.
The club partnership that Olympique Lyon and OL Reign have is something that we have not seen before in the NWSL, but it is mutually beneficial for both clubs and players so far.
Featured image via @OLReign on Twitter
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