The Washington Spirit, an American professional soccer team, plays in the National Women's Soccer League. It is located in Washington, D.C. It is the continuation from the D.C. Spirit and is owned by Tim Kang. It has 15 wins and one loss, as of May 2018.
In 2021, Tim Kang was majority owner of Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit's controlling share has changed hands. Tim Kang (a Washington-based entrepreneur) is now the majority shareholder. Steve Baldwin was initially resistant to the deal but the billionaire agreed to let go of his stake. The Seattle Spirit were removed from league governance during the ownership dispute, but a spokesperson for NWSL stated that the team was restored. Kang expressed his desire to modernize Spirit's business practices, and secure a permanent professional learning facility.
Kang has a track record of addressing issues related to equity and hopes that this message will be translated into sports. Kang wants to recognize the talent of female athletes, staff and officials. Spirit's supporters have been an integral part of the revitalization and he hopes to attract soccer fans back to the stadium in 2022.
Steve Baldwin was accused for nepotism in retaliation
The Washington spirit's players have made it clear they do not trust Baldwin. A group of players has issued a statement demanding that he sell his ownership stake to "Michele," the equity partner of the Spirit. They claim that the current team leadership is toxic and Baldwin must resign.
Baldwin was asked by Spirit players for permission to sell the team. He also resigned as managing partner, CEO, and chairman. Many players have also called on the team to be sold to a female owner. The National Women's Soccer League launched a probe into Washington's spirit. The league concluded that some players were being harassed, but that no one was acting to stop it. Baldwin was also found to be hiring friends for positions that weren't well-qualified.
Kris Ward was fired from the Washington Spirit after a 15-game winless streak
The Washington Spirit have fired Kris Ward, their head coach. After a long 15-game losing streak and a declining relationship between Ward, the team's player and Ward, Ward made the decision to resign. According to an unnamed source, the team's player were forced to attend a retreat with staff members without Ward this weekend. The Spirit's governing council was notified about the alleged misconduct, and it said that it would investigate.
The Spirit were currently 1-6-9 when they entered the streak. However, a streak of winless games could help them balance the scoreboard. After all, Ward helped the Spirit win their first national championship since joining the league in 2012. However, after a 15-game losing streak, the Spirit will have to look elsewhere for a new coach.
Ward's assistant coach Tom Torres was appointed to replace him
Torres' extensive and varied background includes being the head coach of Barcelona Northern Virginia Academy as well as assistant coach for Washington Spirit (NWSL). He is a highly qualified, experienced coach with more 25 years of coaching experience. He will work closely alongside the technical staff and club leadership as well as reporting directly to Christian Cziommer (Technical Director).
Washington Spirit will compete in their fifth season of the National Women's Soccer League. They also participate in the inaugural season U.S Soccer Girls' Development Academy. There are four teams in Maryland, Virginia.