San Diego FC Ownership Group Announces Issa Rae as Club Partner

Actress and producer Issa Rae has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer expansion club San Diego FC.

The cultural icon known for her groundbreaking work in television and film will bring her visionary leadership and passion for culture and community to SDFC. 

Rae joins as Club Partner with new additions, including San Diego Padres’ third baseman Manny Machado, former Manchester United and Spain national team player Juan Mata, and Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems. Rae joins San Diego FC’s ownership group in partnership with Pave Investments, a private African investment firm.

San Diego kicks off its inaugural season later this month at the defending MLS champion LA Galaxy. The club’s primary owners are billionaire Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Tribe, the first Native American tribe to have an ownership stake in a professional soccer team.

Issa Rae and San Diego FC

Although San Diego already has a men’s USL team, San Diego Loyal SC, the city will debut its first MLS team in 2025. SDFC will join the MLS as the 30th team from the 2025 season.

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Rae views her new San Diego Football Club partnership as an “incredible honor.”

“Joining San Diego FC’s ownership group is an incredible honor, and I am thrilled to be part of building something that represents and uplifts this vibrant community,” Rae said in the press release. “Soccer is a universal language that has the power to bring people together, and I look forward to contributing to San Diego FC’s journey as we make history in MLS.”

“We are beyond excited to welcome Issa Rae to the SDFC family,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “Issa’s passionate connection to the Right to Dream mission aligns perfectly with our vision. Right to Dream is a world-renowned academy system dedicated to identifying and nurturing talent, and with Issa joining our ownership group, we are further strengthening our commitment to growing its impact both domestically and globally. Her influence and perspective will be invaluable as we continue building a world-class football Club that reflects the diversity and energy of San Diego.”

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“Issa Rae is a role model and inspiration to so many people around the world, and it is a great honor that she has joined our club as a Partner,” said SDFC Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour.

About Rae and Pave Investments

Rae is joining San Diego FC in partnership with Pave Investments. This African private investment firm was recently involved in leading an investment group to invest in NBA Africa’s entity in 2021. 

She joins a group of influential global figures whose personal journeys and achievements deeply align with the values and vision of both Right to Dream Academy and San Diego FC. As part of this commitment, Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, Founding Director of Pave Investments, will join the San Diego FC ownership group. 

Together, this diverse group brings their global platforms, influence, and personal commitment to amplify the mission of Right to Dream Academy and San Diego FC – to inspire and empower communities meaningfully on and off the pitch.

Rae is best known for being the star, co-creator, and co-writer behind the HBO television series “Insecure” and earning multiple Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominations. 

She has starred in several feature films since debuting as an actress in 2011, including The Photograph, The Lovebirds, Barbie, and American Fiction. Rae also voiced Jess Drew/Spider-Woman in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Beyond her success in entertainment, the actress is a fierce champion for fostering community connections and creating opportunities for diverse voices to thrive.