San Diego Wave denies allegations of abusive workplace culture

Former San Diego Wave employee Brittany Alvarado called out abusive behavior by club president Jill Ellis in a social media post Wednesday.

The team denied the accusations in a statement, calling them “inaccurate and defamatory,” and defended the former U.S. women's national team coach.

Alvarado cited “devastating” mental health impacts on himself and other employees and said Ellis “has no place in this game.”

“Ellis’ actions have changed my life,” wrote Alvarado, former video and creative director at Wave. “She prioritizes personal gain over employee well-being, fostering an environment that is conducive to abusive behavior.”

The Wave said Alvarado's accusations against the team and Ellis are “categorically false.”

“San Diego Wave FC has been made aware of a recent social media post by a former employee that contains inaccurate and defamatory statements about the club,” the team’s statement said.

“The allegations made therein are categorically false, including those directed against our President Jill Ellis.”

Alvarado said in her post that she moved last year from Charlotte to San Diego to work on the Wave coaching staff under Casey Stone, who was fired June 24 amid a seven-game winless streak.

Alvarado further alleged that Wave was masking its public image while perpetuating “discrimination against women” and alleged that nearly 75% of the more than 30 employees who have left the club since its inaugural season in 2022 were women.

San Diego added in its statement that it intends to pursue “all legal avenues to resolve this matter.”

Wave captain Alex Morgan took to social media to express her disappointment at the allegations against the club, stressing the importance of fostering “an inclusive, positive and safe environment for all players and staff.”

Following Alvarado's accusations of misconduct, two other former employees have since made similar allegations on social media.

An investigation commissioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2022 and led by former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates found problems within the NWSL regarding accountability, player safety and a system that failed to respond to player complaints.