The Washington Spirit is an American professional soccer club that plays in the National Women's Soccer League. It is located in Washington, D.C. It is the continuation of the D.C. Tim Kang owns Spirit. It currently has 15 wins, and one loss.
In 2021, Tim Kang was majority owner of Washington Spirit
The majority ownership of the Washington Spirit's controlling stake has been sold to Tim Kang, a Washington-based businesswoman. The deal was initially rejected by Steve Baldwin, an ex-team owner. However, the billionaire has since agreed to sell his stake. The Seattle Spirit were temporarily suspended from league governance in the ownership battle. However, a spokesperson for NWSL claimed that the team had been reinstated. Kang has expressed a desire to modernize the Spirit's business practices and secure a permanent professional training facility.
Kang has a track record of addressing issues related to equity and hopes that this message will be translated into sports. He also wants to highlight the talent of female staff and athletes. Spirit's fans played a crucial role in its revitalization. He hopes to bring back soccer fans to The Stadium in 2022.
Steve Baldwin was accused of nepotism and retaliation
Baldwin has been criticized by Washington spirit's players. A group representing the Spirit's players have demanded that Baldwin give up his ownership stake and sell it to "Michele", the equity partner. They say that the current leadership of the team is toxic, and that Baldwin must step down.
Baldwin was asked by Spirit players for permission to sell the team. He also resigned as managing partner, CEO, and chairman. Many players called for the sale of the team to a female owner. This has prompted the National Women's Soccer League to launch a probe into the Washington spirit. The league concluded some players were being harassed and that no one was trying to stop it. Baldwin was also implicated in hiring friends to fill positions not suitable for him.
After a 15-game losing streak, Kris Ward was fired by the Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit has fired Kris Ward as head coach. The move came after Ward's long winless streak of 15 games and a breakdown in the relationship with his team's players. Unnamed sources claim that the team's players had to attend a retreat this weekend without Ward. The Spirit's governing council was notified about the alleged misconduct, and it said that it would investigate.
The Spirit were 1-6-9 going into the streak, but a winless streak could help them balance the scales. After all, Ward helped the Spirit win their first national championship since joining the league in 2012. The Spirit will now have to search for a new coach after suffering a 15-game losing streak.
Ward was replaced with Tom Torres as assistant coach.
Torres has a varied and extensive background, including being the head coach at Barcelona Northern Virginia Academy and as the assistant coach for Washington Spirit in the NWSL. He is a highly qualified, experienced coach with more 25 years of coaching experience. He will support the technical staff as well as club leadership.
Washington Spirit will compete in the fifth season of National Women's Soccer League.