Why Won’t Steve Baldwin Sell?

Michele Kang has upped her offer to a league record $35 million, while Baldwin pursues “exclusive negotiations” elsewhere.

#Selltheteamsteve has been the Washington Spirit fan motto, even during their historic playoff run that inevitably ended in a NWSL title. A bittersweet win that rewarded the players for everything they have been through while simultaneously platformed an owner who — at best — turned a blind eye to continued abuse or — at worst — actively insulated their abusers.

In the midst of the continued league-wide reckoning, minority owner Michele Kang stepped up with continually increasing offers to buy Steve Baldwin’s share of the team. Kang, who had bought into the ownership group in late 2020, had also received high praise from Baldwin in the past.

“Michele is a brilliant, visionary executive and brings her incredible talent and expertise to our club. Tom Daschle introduced us following the 2019 World Cup and we immediately started working together to make this happen. Michele will make a tremendous impact for our players and our community and I could not be happier to have her join our club.”

A tremendous impact.

Talk about understatement.

The praise of Kang didn’t just stop at Baldwin either, former captain Andi Sullivan sat down with Kang and Baldwin during this time and came away from the dinner impressed with Kang’s story and upbringing.

“We see Michele joining us as the next step in our…