Wave's 2025 season to mark beginning of a new chapter
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Wave players celebrate after scoring a goal in the 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup. Photo: Evan Yu/Getty Images
With San Diego Wave FC president Jill Ellis stepping down, the club is heading into a new era.
Why it matters: The team made a historically successful, record-breaking entrance into the NWSL in 2022, but major changes to its roster and front office throughout a disappointing 2024 season set the club on a new path.
Driving the news: Ellis departed Tuesday to pursue a senior leadership position at FIFA as chief of football.
- Now, the new owner of the Wave, the Leichtman-Levine family, is focused on the next chapter.
What they're saying: "Under Jill's leadership, the Wave set a standard of excellence as an expansion club in the NWSL," owner Lauren Leichtman said in a statement. "As we approach the 2025 season and beyond, we will work to further elevate the Wave's impact in San Diego, on the national stage, and as a globally recognized leader in women's soccer."
- In the club's announcement, Ellis thanked the Wave staff and players for their commitment to the club, and the city of San Diego for embracing the team.
Catch up quick: After a hot start as an expansion team, the Wave had a rough 2024 season on and off the field while undergoing a transformation.
- New owners acquired the team in a NWSL record-breaking deal valued at $120 million that was first reported in March and finalized in October.
- The Wave fired head coach Casey Stoney in June as the team struggled to win games early on. She was the franchise's first coach and led them to a historic playoff run and the club's first two trophies.
- Days later, former employees alleged on social media that Ellis cultivated a toxic workplace, which the club and Ellis immediately denied. Those allegations were previously investigated by the NWSL, which found no policy violations, prompting Ellis to file a defamation lawsuit and the former employees to sue the club and Ellis. Both court cases are ongoing.
State of play: On the heels of winning the 2023 NWSL regular season trophy and 2024 Challenge Cup, the team lost its home opener in March but broke its own home opener attendance record in the process, drawing more than 32,000 fans to Snapdragon Stadium.
- While consistently leading the league in attendance, the troubles continued throughout the year even under new leadership. Landon Donovan replaced Paul Buckle as interim coach mid-season, but the former MLS all-star won't return.
- The Wave didn't make the NWSL playoffs for the first time in its short existence, finishing 10th out of 14 teams with just six wins.
Between the lines: The team also lost two of its marquee players who helped drive its early success.
- Abby Dahlkemper, the Wave's first player signed, was traded to Bay FC.
- Then global soccer icon and USWNT legend Alex Morgan abruptly retired. She announced she was pregnant and played her final NWSL game in September.
What to watch: USWNT defender Naomi Girma and Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan will continue to play key leadership roles, while rising stars Jaedyn Shaw, Delphine Cascarino and Melanie Barcenas look to reignite the offense.
- The Wave also recently signed University of Texas forward Trinity Byars to a three-year contract, making her the first active NCAA player to join the NWSL.
Fun fact: Girma was nominated for U.S. Soccer female player of the year, which she won last year. Fans can vote starting Wednesday.
What's next: After a global search, the club is in the final phase of hiring a new, permanent head coach ahead of the 2025 NWSL season.
- The schedule has not been released yet.