"San Diego Wave FC Sold for NWSL-Record $120M to LA Couple"
Billionaire Ron Burkle is selling NWSL's San Diego Wave to the Levine Leichtman family in a two-part deal valued at $113 million, with the family paying $35 million for 35% of the team now and agreeing to buy the remaining 65% for $78 million after the 2024 season. Burkle, former owner of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, will maintain control until the second transaction. The sale, approved by league owners, marks the highest ever paid for a control stake in an NWSL team. The deal continues a trend of significant changes in NWSL ownership and reflects the league's growing commercial success.