Jimmy Butler, an NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, has become a minority investor in the NWSL’s San Diego Wave, joining a list of notable athletes who have invested in women’s soccer.

Butler joins Alex Morgan, a former Wave player and two-time Women’s World Cup champion, as a high-profile investor in the team. A soccer enthusiast, Butler’s investment merges his love for the sport with his residence near San Diego.

“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 stated. “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.”

Butler’s investment adds to his business portfolio, which includes Bigface, a coffee lifestyle brand he co-founded in 2020 during the NBA Bubble amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Jimmy is a competitor and visionary who shares our values and our ambition to grow this Club,” said Lauren Leichtman, the controlling co-owner of Wave FC. “His perspective and respect for athletes will enhance our mission.”

The Levine Leichtman family office acquired the Wave in October 2024 for a reported total valuation of $120 million, with Morgan joining shortly after.

The Wave are currently positioned in the 2025 NWSL playoffs, with their next match against the NWSL Shield-winning Kansas City Current on November 2.