Reign FC’s French ownership group changes team name to OL Reign
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Goodbye, Reign FC. Hello, OL Reign.
On Friday, OL Groupe continued to put its stamp on the Tacoma-based soccer franchise by changing the name and branding from Reign FC to OL Reign.
“The acquisition of Reign FC by OL Groupe brought together two organizations with the shared ambition to be the best in the world,” OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore said in a press release.
“Our new name symbolizes the aspirations of our collective organization. I believe the new name shows a deep respect and reverence for what our club and our supporters have built over the past seven years. At the same time, the new name provides an authentic connection to the traditions, ceremony, grandeur and spectacle of European football, while looking forward to a future fueled by our shared desire to bring greatness and glory to our city, to our region, and to our supporters.”
The transition began in December when OL Groupe purchased an 89.5 percent stake in the franchise. OL Reign will take on the red, blue and gold colors that all Olympique Lyonnais franchises are branded with.
“Our investment in the Reign FC project includes our know-how, experience, culture and history,” said Jean-Michel Aulas, president of OL Groupe, in a statement.
“The Lion must make its mark on the future of OL Reign while keeping the identity of the club and leveraging its many achievements and assets. Like Bill, I strongly believe in the inspiration given by this new badge, which combines our DNA to bring OL Reign to the pinnacle of the NWSL at a sporting and business level.”
OL Reign opens the 2020 National Women’s Soccer League season at the Washington Spirit on April 18. The home opener is May 3 against the Chicago Red Stars at 1 p.m. at Cheney Stadium.
This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 1:12 PM.
