The actress, producer and writer joins Juan Mata and San Diego Padres' star Manny Machado as a part San Diego FC’s club partners
Isa Rae joins San Diego FC's ownership groupActress joins SDFC in partnership with Pave InvestmentsSDFC set to make their MLS debut in the 2025 seasonWHAT HAPPENED
While San Diego already has a men's USL team, San Diego Loyal SC, the city is about to debut its first MLS team in 2025. An ownership group led by Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation were awarded an expansion team in May 2023.
SDFC is set to join the MLS as the 30th team from the 2025 season and have already announced several additions to the ownership group. That includes retired US Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, San Diego Padres All-Star Manny Machado and former Manchester United star Juan Mata.
San Diego FC have now announced that actress, producer and writer Issa Rae has joined the club’s ownership group as a Club Partner. The 40-year-old joins San Diego FC’s ownership group in partnership with Pave Investments, a private African investment firm.
"We are beyond excited to welcome Issa Rae to the SDFC family. Issa's passionate connection to the Right to Dream mission aligns perfectly with our vision," said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. "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. Just as importantly."
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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 in the process. She has also starred in several feature films since making her debut 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.
Rae revealed that her decision to join the club’s ownership group was to build something that represents and uplifts the community.
“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," said Rae. “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."
WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR SAN DIEGO FC?
San Diego FC enters the final stretch of their preseason schedule with two matches left on their calendar before their MLS debut. The expansion side will face New York City FC, Portland Timbers, and New York Red Bulls in crucial warm-up games ahead of their Feb. 24 season opener against LA Galaxy.
Fans are excited, especially after an excellent transfer window. The club has made significant moves, securing former Napoli forward Hirving Lozano, ex-Brighton star Andres Dreyer, and defender Andres Reyes from New York Red Bulls, among other notable signings.