Founded in May 2019 as an independent breakaway from Millwall Lionesses, London City are the only fully independent club in WSL history -- not affiliated with any men's team. Their presence in English football's top flight is a pioneering achievement for women's football.

Billionaire Michele Kang acquired the club in December 2023, triggering major investment. The Lionesses won the 2024-25 Women's Championship title, securing promotion on the final day with a 2-2 draw against Birmingham. They play at Hayes Lane in Bromley (capacity 5,000), shared with Bromley FC. A Nike kit deal was signed in July 2025.

For their WSL debut, the Lionesses signed 17 new players in an unprecedented spending spree. The headline deal was the world-record deadline-day signing of France international Grace Geyoro from PSG. Former Barcelona defender Jana Fernandez (15 major honours), ex-Arsenal and Lyon midfielder Danielle van de Donk, and England international Nikita Parris also joined the ambitious project.