For years, Jimmy Butler has been one of the San Diego Wave’s most visible fans.
Now, he’s a part-owner.
Butler has joined the club’s ownership as an investor, the Wave announced Monday morning. The six-time NBA All-Star now with the Golden State Warriors is a Poway resident and longtime soccer fan.
San Diego is 10-8-7 and has secured a spot in the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs. They’re tied for fifth place in the NWSL standings after the weekend matches; the top eight teams make the postseason.
“Soccer has been a passion of mine for a long time, and being part of the game in a meaningful way has always been a dream,” Butler said. “San Diego has become a city close to my heart, and I’m proud to invest in a club that is pushing boundaries, building something lasting, and setting a new standard for what women’s sports can be both on and off the pitch.”
Wave owner Lauren Leichtman called Butler “a competitor and visionary who shares our values and our ambition to grow this club.”
“He brings a global perspective, a deep respect for the athlete’s journey, and a creative spirit that perfectly complements what we are building here at Wave FC,” she said.
Leichtman and her family finalized their purchase of the Wave a year ago, paying a then-National Women’s Soccer League record $113 million for the club. Since then, the club has hired a new coach in Jonas Eidevall; overhauled its roster with an emphasis on young, international players; and adopted a new, attacking style.
The Wave have also brought one of their best players back into the fold. Former star Alex Morgan, who retired near the end of the 2024 season, joined the club’s ownership group in May.
Start time set
The Wave’s Nov. 2 regular-season finale at the Kansas City Current has a start time. The two teams will square off at noon in a match that will air nationally on ESPN. The league’s remaining 12 teams will all play at 2 p.m., part of NWSL’s “Decision Day.”
Originally Published: October 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM PDT