From July 2, 20111: From left, Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan and Allie Krieger break into laughter during a question and answer session at Eastview Mall held just before a massive rally for Wambach and her soccer teammates.
San Diego, California – Alex Morgan is back with the San Diego Wave — not on the field, but in the boardroom.
The U.S. Soccer icon, who retired from professional play late last season, has joined Wave FC as a minority investor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her storied career. The club announced Morgan’s new role Tuesday morning, solidifying her continued commitment to the team and the San Diego community she now calls home.
“San Diego is where I’ve built my home, where I’m raising my children, and where I’ve found a purpose beyond my playing career,” Morgan said in a team statement. “I believed in Wave FC before a single match was played, and I still believe this club has the power to change the future of women’s sports.”
Morgan, 35, was one of the Wave’s foundational signings ahead of their inaugural 2022 season. She delivered immediately, winning the NWSL Golden Boot with 16 goals in that debut campaign. In 2023, she helped lead the Wave to the NWSL Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular season record.
Her presence helped make the Wave the most successful expansion team in league history, with back-to-back playoff semifinal appearances and record-setting attendance at Snapdragon Stadium.
Now, Morgan is more focused on impact off the field. She emphasized her desire to uplift women’s sports, advocate for her community, and build an organization players and fans can be proud of.
“I want players to see this club as a place they seek out. I want fans to look at this as an exciting environment and a team they want to stay behind,” she said. “And I want this club to be a reflection of the community that we live in and represent.”
Morgan joins Wave FC’s ownership group, which is led by the Leichtman-Levine family. The family purchased the club last year in a deal reportedly worth up to $120 million. While the club declined to disclose Morgan’s equity stake, her involvement adds credibility and continuity to Wave FC’s growing brand.
“Her decision to invest is not only a continuation of her leadership, but also a reflection of her belief in what we are building,” said Lauren Leichtman, the club’s controlling owner.
Morgan is no stranger to business. She’s also invested in Unrivaled, a women’s 3-on-3 professional basketball league. She has long been vocal about issues like player safety and workplace culture — even calling out the Wave last year over employee misconduct allegations.
Through her new role, Morgan hopes to shape the future of women’s soccer — and she’s doing it right here in San Diego.
