Lauren Leichtman Building Family Affair as San Diego Wave Owner

September 13, 2025

Brandi Chastain’s thrilling penalty kick to win the 1999 women’s World Cup for the United States captivated soccer fans across the county, prompting a boom in the sport and paving the way for leagues like the National Women’s Soccer League.

Lauren Leichtman, who owns the San Diego Wave, was among those watching that moment.

Leichtman previously attempted to acquire NWSL teams Portland Thorns and Angel City FC. After those deals didn’t materialize, her luck changed with help from San Diego Wave team president and former U.S. women’s national team coach Jill Ellis. Their relationship has spanned 20 years after Leichtman supported the UCLA women’s soccer team Ellis coached in the 2000s.

Ellis made key introductions that ultimately led to the family buying the Wave from former owner Ron Burkle last year for a record $120 million— the most ever paid for an NWSL club. yahoo!