May 15 – Former San Diego Wave FC and United States International star Alex Morgan has taken her commitment to the club to a new level, joining as a minority investor in the organisation she helped establish as a player just three years ago.
Morgan’s investment partners her with the Wave’s new ownership group, the Leichtman-Levine Family Foundation, which acquired the club last year in one of women’s sports’ most significant ownership transitions.
The Leichtman-Levine family, led by private equity veterans Lauren Leichtman and Arthur Levine, purchased the club from Ron Burkle in March 2024 for an estimated $113 million – a record valuation for an NWSL franchise at the time, that reflects the league’s explosive growth.
Morgan retired last year as San Diego Wave FC’s all-time leading scorer and assist leader, with 28 goals and 11 assists to her name. During the club’s inaugural season, she claimed the NWSL Golden Boot with 16 goals, propelling San Diego to become the first expansion team in NWSL history to qualify for the playoffs.
In 2023, the former captain helped guide the Wave to their first-ever trophy, lifting the NWSL Shield before a record-breaking home crowd at Snapdragon Stadium.
“San Diego is where I’ve built my home, where I am raising my children, and found a purpose beyond my playing career,” said Morgan. “I believed in Wave FC before a single match was played, and I still believe this Club have the power to change the future of women’s sports. I’m proud to invest in that future not just as a player, but now as an investor.”
Lauren Leichtman, Controlling Owner of San Diego Wave FC, welcomed Morgan’s investment: “Alex has always fought to positively impact this game beyond the pitch. She used her platform to lead, to advocate, and to build something meaningful in San Diego. Her decision to invest is not only a continuation of her leadership but also a reflection of her belief in what we are building.”
The Leichtman-Levine acquisition marked a significant milestone for the NWSL, bringing decades of investment expertise to the rapidly growing league. Its vision for the Wave includes expanded community initiatives, enhanced player development programs, and infrastructure improvements aimed at establishing San Diego as a global leader in women’s soccer.
As a member of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), Morgan won two FIFA World Cups and scored over 200 goals. Her illustrious career includes being named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year twice, receiving FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 selections on five occasions, and winning CONCACAF Player of the Year four times.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1747310924labto1747310924ofdlr1747310924owedi1747310924sni@r1747310924etsbe1747310924w.kci1747310924n1747310924