London City Lionesses is a professional women’s football club based in London, currently competing in the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL). As the only fully independent women’s club in the top two tiers of English football, the Lionesses are unique for having no formal affiliation with a men’s professional team. Following their historic promotion as Championship winners in 2025, the club now plays its home matches at the CopperJax Community Stadium in Bromley and is owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang.
In this comprehensive guide, you will explore the club’s rapid rise from its 2019 breakaway to its current status as a global pioneer in women’s sports. We cover everything from the star-studded 2025/26 squad featuring Nikita Parris and Kosovare Asllani to practical matchday information for fans visiting the stadium. Whether you are a lifelong supporter or a newcomer to the WSL, this deep dive provides the authoritative details on the “Lionesses of London.”
Club History and 2019 Breakaway
The London City Lionesses were officially founded on May 13, 2019, following a historic split from Millwall Football Club. While Millwall Lionesses had been a pioneer in the women’s game since the 1970s, the breakaway allowed the new entity to operate as a completely independent professional club.
This transition was led by founding chairwoman Diane Culligan, who secured the club’s license to compete in the Women’s Championship. By separating from a men’s infrastructure, the club aimed to prioritize investment specifically for female athletes, a philosophy that remains their core identity today.
The Michele Kang Ownership Era
In December 2023, the club entered a transformative new chapter when it was acquired by Michele Kang, the owner of Washington Spirit and OL Lyonnes. Kang’s arrival brought unprecedented financial backing and a vision to build the world’s preeminent multi-club women’s football organization under the Kynisca Sports umbrella.
Under Kang’s leadership, the club has shifted toward a high-performance model, integrating advanced data analytics and sports science. This investment bore fruit quickly, as the team secured promotion to the WSL within just 18 months of her acquisition.
2025 WSL Promotion Success
The Lionesses secured their place in the Barclays Women’s Super League for the first time in history at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. They clinched the Championship title after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Birmingham City on the final day, finishing at the top of the table.
Promotion marked a significant milestone for English football, as London City became the first independent club to reach the top flight in the modern era. The achievement validated the club’s “women-first” commercial and sporting model against established Premier League-affiliated giants.
Current 2025/26 WSL Squad
The club made global headlines during the 2025 summer transfer window by signing some of the most decorated players in women’s football. Key arrivals included England international Nikita Parris, Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani, and legendary Japanese defender Saki Kumagai.
The squad is currently managed by Jocelyn Prêcheur, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain to oversee the club’s transition to the WSL. The roster boasts a blend of experienced Champions League winners and emerging English talent, making them one of the most competitive “newcomers” in league history.
Key Players to Watch
- Nikita Parris (Forward): The Euro 2022 winner provides essential goal-scoring threat and veteran leadership in the final third.
- Kosovare Asllani (Midfielder): A creative engine who previously starred for Real Madrid and AC Milan, Asllani is the club’s primary playmaker.
- Delphine Cascarino (Winger): Joining in January 2026, the six-time Champions League winner adds world-class pace and crossing ability to the flanks.
- Daniëlle van de Donk (Midfielder): A fan favorite and Dutch international who brings elite technical skill and WSL experience from her time at Arsenal.
Stadium and Home Ground
London City Lionesses play their home fixtures at the CopperJax Community Stadium (Hayes Lane) located in Bromley, South East London. The stadium offers an intimate and high-energy atmosphere, with a capacity designed to bring fans close to the pitch.
In 2024, the club moved to this location to better establish its own identity within the London football landscape. The venue features modern facilities for supporters, including dedicated fan zones and improved accessibility for families and disabled visitors.
World-Class Training Facilities
In September 2025, the club received unanimous planning approval to develop a state-of-the-art Performance Campus at Cobdown Park in Kent. This 28-acre site is designed specifically for female athletes, featuring elite-level pitches, recovery suites, and medical facilities.
The facility is expected to be completed in 2027 and will rival the training grounds of Men’s Premier League teams. By owning their own training base, the Lionesses ensure that their players have 24/7 access to the best possible environment for development and rehabilitation.
Club Identity and Branding
The Lionesses are known for their bold “Pride of London” branding and their distinct blue and white kits produced by Nike. Their 2025/26 third kit, a collaboration with the media brand TOGETHXR, features the slogan “Everyone Watches London City.”
The club’s identity is built on being “daring and playful,” intentionally moving away from the traditional aesthetics of men’s football. This approach has helped them cultivate a unique, younger fan base that values the club’s independence and commitment to gender equity in sport.
Community and Youth Academy
Beyond the first team, London City operates a robust Youth Academy designed to provide a pathway for the next generation of female footballers. The academy caters to age groups from U12 to U21, offering professional coaching and education.
The club also engages heavily with the local South East London and Kent communities through school outreach programs and grassroots clinics. Their goal is to increase participation in girls’ football while providing a tangible route to the professional game.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending a London City Lionesses match is a family-friendly experience that offers professional football at an accessible price point.
- Match Dates: WSL matches typically take place on Sundays, with occasional Saturday or midweek fixtures.
- Ticket Prices: Adult tickets generally range from £10 to £15, while Junior tickets (Under 18) are often available for £4 to £6.
- How to Get There: The CopperJax Community Stadium is a short walk from Bromley South or Hayes railway stations, with direct links to London Victoria and Charing Cross.
- What to Expect: A vibrant atmosphere with food stalls, merchandise trailers, and opportunities for younger fans to meet players for autographs after the final whistle.
- Tips for Visitors: Buy tickets online in advance to save on matchday surcharges, as high-profile games against teams like Arsenal or Chelsea frequently sell out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns London City Lionesses?
The club is owned by Michele Kang, an American businesswoman who also owns the Washington Spirit (USA) and OL Lyonnes (France). She acquired the club in December 2023.
Where do the London City Lionesses play?
Their home stadium is the CopperJax Community Stadium (Hayes Lane) in Bromley, South East London. They previously played at Princes Park in Dartford.
Are they part of Millwall FC?
No. While they originated as the Millwall Lionesses, they broke away in May 2019 to become a fully independent professional club.
What league are they in for the 2025/26 season?
They currently compete in the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL), the top tier of women’s football in England, after winning the Championship in 2025.
How much are tickets for a match?
Standard adult tickets cost approximately £12, while family packages (2 adults, 2 children) are typically available for £30.
Who is the manager of the team?
The team is managed by Jocelyn Prêcheur, the former head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, who signed a three-year contract in 2024.
Does the club have a nickname?
Yes, the club is commonly referred to as the Lionesses or the Pride.
Can I buy merchandise at the stadium?
Yes, there is a dedicated merchandise stand at the CopperJax Community Stadium selling official Nike kits, scarves, and accessories.
Where is their training ground located?
The club is currently developing a world-class training center at Cobdown Park in Ditton, Kent, which is scheduled for full completion in 2027.
Is the stadium accessible for disabled fans?
Yes, the CopperJax Community Stadium provides dedicated wheelchair bays and accessible seating, with free tickets often available for personal assistants.
What are the club colors?
The primary home colors are blue and white, with various creative designs for their away and third kits each season.
How can I watch matches if I can’t attend?
WSL matches are frequently broadcast on Sky Sports and BBC, with non-televised games available for streaming on the WSL YouTube channel.
Final Thoughts
As of 2026, the London City Lionesses have firmly transitioned from a “breakaway experiment” to a legitimate force in the Barclays Women’s Super League. The club’s trajectory serves as a blueprint for the future of women’s sports, demonstrating that independence from a men’s professional structure is not just a viable path, but a competitive advantage. With a world-class training campus breaking ground in Kent and a squad depth that rivals the “traditional” top four, the Lionesses are no longer just participating in the WSL—they are actively disrupting it.
The “Kynisca Model” introduced by Michele Kang is proving that dedicated investment in female-specific performance research and professional infrastructure yields rapid results. By 2027, the completion of their permanent training base will likely elevate the club’s recruitment power even further. For fans and the wider football community, the London City Lionesses represent the “next era” of the game: one where professional women’s teams are valued as primary assets, driving their own commercial success and inspiring a new generation of girls to see football as a standalone professional career.
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