Alex Morgan’s San Diego Wave Sold in a History-Making Record Deal, Just Hours Before NWSL 2024 Kickoff

Alex Morgan‘s NWSL club, San Diego Wave FC is looking at an ownership change. Per reputable sources, San Diego’s billionaire owner Ron Burkle is selling the club to the Levine Leichtman family in a two-part deal. The current value of the deal stands at around $113 million. But it could place the transaction at $120 million later. This bombshell development takes place hours before Morgan and Co. face Gotham FC in the NWSL Challenge Cup final.

As per the sale, Lauren Leichtman and her husband Arthur Levine’s venture Levine Leichtman Capital Partners will pay $35 million now for a 35% stake in San Diego Wave. Upon the completion of the 2024 NWSL season, Leichtman and Levine will pay $78 million for a complete takeover. This is the highest price ever paid in the history of NWSL for a club’s ownership. Portland Thorns’ sale held the record when the Bhathal family bought it for $63 million.

Notably, the San Diego-based club reached this record value in less than three years. Ron Burkle paid a $2 million expansion fee when the Wave joined the NWSL in 2022. “We are proud of the unprecedented success we have had as an expansion team and I am confident that [the Levine Leichtman] family’s investment will contribute to the growth of our team and the San Diego community,” Ron Burkle told Sportico. Moreover, NWSL’s Commissioner Jessica Berman stated she was ‘thrilled’ to welcome the new Wave owners to the league. While the front office prepares for the deal, the players lace up for a new season.

A headline clash and a busy NWSL season await Alex Morgan’s San Diego

USWNT superstars Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw will face defending NWSL champions, Gotham FC on the road in the NWSL Challenge Cup final. San Diego booked a birth in the final after winning its only silverware- the NWSL Shield in 2023. Whereas, the NWSL title win made Gotham FC eligible for the final contention. This will be one headline clash where Alex Morgan and Rose Lavelle come face to face.

READ MORE: Alex Morgan Ends 2023 With 6-Figure Donation & More: All You Need to Know About Her Foundation

Thereafter, the Wave plays Kansas City Current in their NWSL opener on March 23. During the Olympics break in July, the NWSL will organize an in-season tournament featuring all 14 clubs, including San Diego Wave and international participants. Besides, the CONCACAF has announced it will hold the inaugural season of the W Champions Cup. Since the Wave are the reigning NWSL Shield winners, there is a chance that Morgan and Co. will feature in the tournament.

The Wave has made it to the SFs of the last two seasons, since joining the NWSL in 2022. This time around, the Californian side will be determined to not settle for less. How far do you think Morgan and her teammates would go in this NWSL season? Tell us in the comments.

READ MORE: Meet Alex Morgan’s Husband Servando Carrasco: Everything to Know About USWNT Star’s Ex-MLS Partner & More