Lawsuit Launched by San Diego Wave Owners Against Former President Jill Ellis

by October 2, 2025

San Diego Wave Ownership Initiates Legal Proceedings

The San Diego Wave’s ownership, comprised of billionaire couple Lauren Leichtman and Arthur Levine, has initiated legal proceedings against Jill Ellis, the former president of the team, alleging she misled them regarding her intentions to stay affiliated with the club following its acquisition. The lawsuit claims that Ellis assured them of her commitment to continue leading the Wave after they finalized their purchase, only to resign a mere two days post-sale in October 2024.

Claims of Misrepresentation

Leichtman and Levine, who bought the Wave from ex-owner Ron Burkle in a deal reportedly worth between $113 million and $120 million, contend that these assurances from Ellis were pivotal to their decision to acquire the team. They assert these claims constituted misrepresentation and false promises, which ultimately influenced their purchase decision. They are pursuing unspecified damages and are looking for a jury trial to adjudicate the matter.

Ellis’s Departure and Its Implications

Ellis, who has an illustrious background as a two-time World Cup-winning coach for the U.S. women’s national soccer team and was the inaugural president of the Wave, left the team to accept a higher-ranking role at FIFA. This decision was publicly announced in December 2024, shortly after her resignation. The owners argue that Ellis was already engaging in negotiations with FIFA when she made her commitments to them—implying that her representations were deceptive.

The lawsuit highlights that her focus on her FIFA negotiations adversely affected the Wave’s performance during the 2024 season, where they finished in 10th place under a succession of three coaches, resulting in significant financial ramifications for 2025.

Damages and Additional Claims

The lawsuit requests damages it estimates at no less than $40 million in diminished enterprise value connected to the team’s decline under Ellis’s leadership. In addition to Ellis, several unnamed individuals are implicated in the legal complaint for their roles in perpetuating what the plaintiffs describe as false assurances that influenced their acquisition of the Wave.

Response from Ellis and Team Statement

Ellis’s attorney, Douglas Silverstein, characterized the lawsuit as devoid of merit; he claims it is retaliation for her attempts to collect deferred compensation due under her employment terms, totaling over $1 million including annual payments specified in her contract. He explained that Ellis had sought to resolve these financial matters amicably before being compelled to seek legal counsel.

Furthermore, a representative from the San Diego Wave issued a statement clarifying that while Ellis’s lawsuit occurs in conjunction with the team, it is separately a matter between the owners and Ellis, asserting the team’s focus remains on its players and community.

Previous Legal Disputes

Ellis is not a stranger to legal disputes during her tenure; she has previously filed a defamation lawsuit against Brittany Alvarado, a former employee who alleged a toxic workplace environment. In a separate case later in the year, Alvarado and four other employees launched their own lawsuit against the Wave and the NWSL, citing discrimination and harassment claims. In response to these allegations, the league maintained that it had no responsibility toward the plaintiffs.

Conclusion

This ongoing legal saga reflects broader challenges within women’s soccer and the intricate dynamics at play in leadership roles, as the San Diego Wave seeks to navigate its future in the competitive landscape of the NWSL.