San Diego Wave Lawsuit Versus Ellis Exposes Gap In NWSL Commissioner Authority

By Christopher R. Deubert, Senior Writer On September 29, 2025, Laure Leichtman and Arthur Levine, the owners of the San Diego Wave, sued the club’s former President, Jill Ellis, alleging that she fraudulently told the owners that she would remain with the club after they acquired it in October 2024.  Ellis’ attorney countered that the lawsuit came only after Ellis requested $1.2 million owed to her in deferred compensation.  The litigation reveals that NWSL Commissioner Jessica