League One volleyball Expands Footprint with New San Francisco Franchise – A Game changer for women’s Sports
League One Volleyball (LOVB) is continuing its rapid ascent, announcing a new professional volleyball team based in San Francisco. This expansion marks the league’s ninth team solidifying its position as a major player in the evolving landscape of women’s sports. The san Francisco franchise is slated to begin competition in January 2027, joining previously announced teams in Los Angeles and Minnesota.
This isn’t just about adding another city to the map; it’s about a powerful statement. LOVB is building a league differently, and the ownership group behind the San Francisco team perfectly embodies that vision.
A Women-Led Ownership Group Driving Change
What sets this expansion apart is the impressive, women-led ownership group. Thay aren’t just investors; they’re proven leaders in their respective fields. The group includes:
* Jes Wolfe: CEO of Rebel Girls, and will serve as Chairman of LOVB San Francisco.
* Kelsey Cook: Three-time olympic volleyball medalist.
* Leslie Osborne, Brandi Chastain, and Danielle Slaton: The co-founders of Bay FC, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise.
“This ownership group represents everything LOVB stands for,” explains Rosie Spaulding, President of LOVB Pro. “Women leading with vision, intention, and a deep belief in what’s possible when we invest in each other.”
This commitment to female leadership isn’t accidental. It’s a core tenet of LOVB’s mission to create a new model for women’s sports – one built on community, opportunity, and a robust athlete pipeline.
Why San Francisco? A Volleyball Hotbed
San Francisco wasn’t chosen randomly. The Bay Area is a thriving hub for volleyball talent, boasting some of the highest participation rates in girls’ club, high school, and beach volleyball nationwide.
You’ll find that athletes from this region consistently excel, progressing to top collegiate programs and securing professional opportunities globally.LOVB recognizes this existing strength and aims to nurture it further.
As Wolfe puts it, ”The Bay Area has become a beacon for women’s sports – a place where investment, innovation, and community come together to create real impact.” She emphasizes the resonance of LOVB’s mission to build opportunity from the youth level up.
LOVB: From Grassroots to Professional League
LOVB’s journey is unique. founded in 2019, the league initially focused on building a strong grassroots network of youth volleyball teams. This foundation proved crucial.
By cultivating talent from the ground up, LOVB was able to confidently launch a six-team professional division. The league’s success has attracted significant investment, including a US$100 million funding round in November, with backing from prominent figures like Kevin Durant and Lindsey Vonn.
Here’s a fast timeline of LOVB’s recent expansion:
* November 2023: secured US$100 million in funding.
* Earlier 2024: Announced expansion teams in los Angeles (led by alexis Ohanian) and Minnesota.
* Now: Announced the San Francisco franchise with a powerful women-led ownership group.
What This Means for the Future of Women’s Volleyball
The addition of San Francisco, alongside the Los Angeles and Minnesota teams, signals a significant shift in the professional volleyball landscape. LOVB isn’t just creating teams; it’s building an ecosystem.
You can expect to see:
* Increased visibility for women’s volleyball.
* more opportunities for athletes at all levels.
* A stronger, more sustainable league structure.
* A focus on community engagement and fan experience.
LOVB is poised to become a driving force in the growth of women’s sports, and the San Francisco franchise is a key piece of that puzzle. It’s an exciting time for volleyball fans and a testament to the power of investing in female athletes and leadership.
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