SAN DIEGO (Tuesday, November 9, 2021) – The NWSL’s 12th and newest franchise will be called San Diego Wave Fútbol Club. Taking inspiration from the city’s pristine and powerful coastline and diverse cultural heritage, San Diego Wave FC has every intention to be a bold force in today’s professional sports landscape. The team will begin play at its temporary home, Torero Stadium in spring 2022. The club’s crest and permanent venue will be announced at a later date.
San Diego has long been one of America’s great soccer cities, with a rich history in the sport, from its youth through professional ranks. The organization, led by President Jill Ellis, Head Coach Casey Stoney and Vice-Chairman Matt Alvarez spent several months conducting research and connecting with the community to find a name that resonates with the city. It was clear the ocean is a way of life for San Diegans, and waves reflect the heartbeat of the city. Wave FC will be the first NWSL franchise to use the Spanish translation, Fútbol in its name.
“This is an exciting moment for our franchise,” Ellis said. “I have been out in the community, and you can feel the energy and anticipation building for our team’s arrival. We listened to soccer fans and community leaders, and we are proud to select a name that connects with the people and essence of San Diego. A wave is a strong symbol and, like our club, it is an integral part of something bigger. Our players will be incredibly inspired to put on their jerseys and play for the fans of San Diego Wave FC”
Added Stoney: “This is an exciting next step in our process to the team’s kickoff next season. Having spent some time now in San Diego, I believe our name strikes the perfect balance between representing this beautiful city and how we want to be a relentless force on the pitch. Wave FC will be a source of city pride for the community on and off the field of play.”
Coinciding with the naming of the team, fans can now purchase the first Wave FC merchandise from its limited edition launch collection available beginning today exclusively at www.SanDiegoWaveFC.com.
Fans can learn more about Wave FC, sign up for ticket information and purchase Club apparel exclusively at www.SanDiegoWaveFC.com. Follow Wave FC on Facebook (@SanDiegoWaveFC), Instagram (@SanDiegoWaveFC), LinkedIn (@SanDiegoWaveFC), Twitter (@SanDiegoWaveFC), and join the conversation while using the #WaveFC hashtag.
About San Diego NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced in June 2021 that San Diego will be home to an NWSL expansion team, set to begin play in Spring 2022. Jill Ellis, the only two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winning manager and a former FIFA World Women’s Coach of the Year recipient, serves as President of the San Diego NWSL team while England standout and former Manchester United Women’s Manager Casey Stoney will serve as the team’s head coach. Chief Revenue Officer, Vanessa Shay, will run revenue streams, marketing and business operations. The San Diego NWSL is owned by investor Ron Burkle. Burkle has tapped longtime friend and business associate Matt Alvarez to lead the project on his behalf.
