Alex Morgan Stepping Up: From Stars to Shareholders
#FromChampToCapitalist
Iconic USWNT athlete, Alex Morgan, joins the ranks of NWSL investors.
In the realm of sports, Alex Morgan—two-time World Cup victor and Olympic gold medalist—is making waves. The agile athlete is not scoring goals but shaking up the game behind the scenes as the latest minority investor in San Diego Wave FC, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team.
Homies to Homeowners
Southern California has become Morgan's home and the cradle of her post-playing career aspirations. Her family and the city have provided her purpose beyond the playing field, making San Diego the perfect fit for her latest venture. "I believed in Wave FC before our maiden match, and I stillboldly stand by that belief. San Diego is the city where I call home, where my family and I are raising our children, and where I've found a purpose far exceeding my playing career," Morgan declared.
Scoring Beyond the Pitch
Since her initial signing with San Diego Wave FC in 2021, Morgan has left an indelible mark on the field. The exceptional striker proved prolific, scoring 16 goals, clinching the prestigious Golden Boot, and leading the team to the NWSL Shield in 2023. With her retirement from professional play, Morgan embraces her new role as a stakeholder in the sport she helped elevate.
The decision to invest was far from impulsive. Discussions about joining the Wave's ownership group have been underway since last year. "Even while I was still actively playing, I was constantly contemplating what next steps I could take and how I could elevate my impact on the game beyond the pitch. This investment is an extension of that forward-thinking mindset," Morgan discusses.
The Ohanian Influence
Morgan isn't new to sports investments. She has already taken a stake in Unrivaled, a new women's professional 3-on-3 basketball league. Her association with San Diego Wave FC further deepens her dedication to driving women's sports forward.
The Leichtman-Levine family—the group that purchased the Wave in a $113-120 million deal—welcomes Morgan to their ranks. The specifics of her equity were not disclosed, yet her impact is already making waves.
Obstacles Await
San Diego Wave FC faces ongoing legal controversies, with allegations of harassment and wrongful termination from former employees looming. Nevertheless, Morgan remains steadfast in her pursuit of the club's success. "I covet a future for this club brimming with victory. A future where players aspire to join and fans are unapologetically proud," she concludes.
With this move, Alex Morgan underlines the fact that her influence continues to radiate in the sport. Today, she carves her name not just as a formidable player, but as a trailblazing investor building the future she once dreamt of playing in.
Enrichment Data:
Details
- Investment Announcement: Alex Morgan, a two-time World Cup champion and Olympic medalist, has become a minority investor in San Diego Wave FC, marking her transition from being a player to also being an investor in the club[1][2].
- Background: Morgan was one of the first players signed by the Wave in 2021 and played a crucial role in the team's success, including scoring its first-ever goal and leading the team to consecutive playoff appearances[1].
- Motivation: Morgan expressed her belief in San Diego Wave FC's potential to shape the future of women's sports. She highlighted her connection to the city, where she resides with her family and has found a purpose beyond her playing career[1][2].
Implications
- Community Impact: Morgan's investment reflects her commitment to the San Diego community and her desire for the club to represent the community's values[2].
- Women's Sports: This move is part of a broader trend of former players investing in women's sports leagues, which can help drive growth and visibility for the sport[2].
- Club Growth: Morgan's involvement is expected to bolster the club's influence and reputation, potentially attracting more fans and sponsors[1].
Ongoing Legal Challenges
As of now, there are no reported legal challenges related to Alex Morgan's investment in San Diego Wave FC. The focus remains on her role as an investor and her contributions to the club's future development[1][2]. Overall, Morgan's investment is seen as a positive step for San Diego Wave FC and women's soccer, leveraging her influence to further the sport's growth and community engagement.
- Alex Morgan, a notable figure in the world of sports, has also ventured into finance, becoming a minority investor in San Diego Wave FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
- Her investment in San Diego Wave FC is a reflection of her long-term strategy for investing in personal-finance, extending beyond her playing career in football.
- Morgan's involvement in San Diego Wave FC, coupled with her previous investments in women's sports like the new women's professional 3-on-3 basketball league, exemplifies her commitment to the growth and advancement of sports, especially women's sports.
