Alex Morgan Returns to NWSL with San Diego Wave Investment

Alex Morgan, the former USWNT star and recently retired NWSL player, has become a minority investor in the San Diego Wave, the club where she concluded her playing career. Morgan joined the Wave in their inaugural 2022 season and retired in the latter half of 2024 after learning she was expecting her second child. She stated that her continued belief in the club and its potential to transform women's sports motivated her investment.

The Wave is now majority-owned by the Levine Leichtman family, who acquired the club for $113 million from Ron Burkle at the close of the 2024 season. Under new ownership, the club has undergone significant changes, including the departure of president and former USWNT coach Jill Ellis and the hiring of Jonas Eidevall as head coach.

Morgan, a highly decorated player with two World Cups, an Olympic gold medal, and an NWSL Championship, had expressed her intent to support women's sports after retirement. In addition to her investment in the Wave, she founded the venture capital firm Trybe Ventures and has invested in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 women’s basketball league.

Morgan's transition from player to investor reflects a broader trend in women's sports, where athletes are increasingly taking ownership roles to influence the direction and growth of their respective leagues. Her involvement is expected to bring valuable insights and a player's perspective to the Wave's strategic decisions, potentially enhancing the club's appeal to fans and sponsors alike.

Morgan’s continued commitment to the Wave not only underscores her belief in the club's potential but also sets a precedent for other athletes to take active roles in shaping the future of their teams after they have retired.