Global law firm Hogan Lovells has advised the Levine Leichtman Family Office (LLFO) on the acquisition of the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise, from its previous owner, Ron Burkle. Hogan Lovells also advised LLFO on the process of adding numerous strategic partners to the Wave ownership group.
Lauren Leichtman will serve as the club’s new NWSL Governor, while Zachary Leichtman-Levine will serve as the new NWSL Alternate Governor. Lauren Leichtman and Arthur Levine are the founders of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, a global private equity firm that has managed approximately US$15 billion of institutional capital since inception. The Wave was acquired through Lauren and Arthur’s family office, from which they continue to oversee a diversified investment portfolio of assets.
The Leichtman-Levine family has a longstanding history of passionate support for women’s sports – in particular UCLA women’s athletics, championing numerous sports programs at the university.
Ron Burkle, who founded the Wave in 2021, was instrumental in bringing the NWSL to San Diego. The Wave experienced immediate success after joining the league, breaking multiple attendance records and delivering unprecedented results on the field. The Wave became the only expansion team in NWSL history to make the playoffs in its inaugural season and went on to win the 2023 NWSL Shield in its second season.
The Hogan Lovells deal team was led by Global Head of Sports and partner Matt Eisler (M&A, New York and Denver) and associate Andrew Klokiw (M&A, New York). Additional deal support was provided by partners Mark Weinstein and Jessica Millett (both Tax, New York), counsel Eric Andalman (real estate, Denver), senior associates Ali Morris (M&A, Washington, D.C.) and Stephen Weinstein (tax, Washington, D.C.), and associates Allison Kolberg, Hanna Wynn and Emily Gibson (all M&A, Denver).
