Reddit co-founder and notable venture capitalist Alexis Ohanian is making another significant play in professional sports, leading the ownership group for a new League One Volleyball (LOVB) team based in Los Angeles. This expansion signals a major boost for women’s professional volleyball in the United States, further cementing Southern California’s reputation as a hub for new athletic ventures.
The landscape of professional sports in Los Angeles is set to welcome an exciting new addition. Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and head of venture capital firm Seven Seven Six, has announced he will lead the ownership group for a new professional volleyball team. This venture marks a pivotal moment for League One Volleyball (LOVB), as the Los Angeles squad becomes the seventh team in the burgeoning league.
The new team is slated to make its debut in January 2027, coinciding with LOVB’s third professional season. This strategic expansion into one of America’s largest sports markets is a clear indicator of the league’s ambitious growth trajectory and Ohanian’s deep-seated belief in the potential of women’s sports. The official announcement was made by League One Volleyball, detailing the exciting partnership that promises to elevate the sport domestically, as reported by the Associated Press.
A Vision for Women’s Sports in Southern California
Alexis Ohanian is no stranger to the Los Angeles sports scene, particularly when it comes to championing women’s athletics. He famously co-founded the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Angel City FC, which quickly became a fan favorite and a benchmark for community engagement in women’s professional soccer. His portfolio also includes a founding control ownership stake in the Tomorrow’s Golf League’s Los Angeles Golf Club. This latest investment in volleyball underscores his consistent commitment to Southern California as a fertile ground for new professional sports endeavors.
“Volleyball is such a natural addition for Southern California, which has already proven how warmly it embraces new pro sports teams,” Ohanian stated in a press release. His marriage to tennis icon Serena Williams further highlights his personal connection to and understanding of the importance of supporting elite female athletes.
LOVB: A Unique Model Driving Growth
League One Volleyball (LOVB) launched its inaugural season in January with six dynamic city-based teams. These founding teams represent a diverse geographical spread, laying the groundwork for a national footprint:
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Austin, Texas
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Houston, Texas
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Atlanta, Georgia
What sets LOVB apart in the American professional sports landscape is its integrated model. Beyond the professional league, LOVB boasts a robust network of youth clubs across the country. This unique approach fosters talent from the grassroots level, creating a clear pathway for aspiring athletes directly into the professional ranks. This holistic ecosystem is designed to nurture the sport’s growth from the ground up, ensuring a sustainable future for professional volleyball in the U.S. More details on LOVB’s vision can be found on their official site, LOVB.com.
The league’s first season proved to be a resounding success, attracting high-profile sponsors such as Skims and Adidas. Furthermore, the league garnered an impressive 38.9 million views of match content, a testament to the growing interest and engagement in domestic professional volleyball.
Rosie Spaulding, President of LOVB Pro, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re thrilled to partner with Alexis and the Seven Seven Six team, true women’s sports champions who share our vision for the impact of professional volleyball can have in the United States. We can’t wait to work with them to bring professional women’s volleyball to Southern California as we continue to grow the sport across the U.S.”
The Rise of Domestic Professional Volleyball
The expansion of LOVB into Los Angeles arrives at a particularly vibrant period for professional volleyball in the United States. For years, top American volleyball stars were compelled to seek opportunities in international leagues to advance their careers. However, this trend is rapidly changing with the emergence of domestic professional leagues. This newfound opportunity keeps homegrown talent on American soil, allowing fans to follow their favorite athletes without geographical barriers.
LOVB isn’t the only player in this burgeoning market. A competing league, the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), also commenced its operations in January 2024. The PVF recently enhanced its footprint by merging with Major League Volleyball (MLV), now operating under the latter’s name. The presence of multiple strong domestic leagues underscores a collective commitment to establishing a thriving and competitive professional volleyball scene in the United States.
What This Means for Fans and the Future
For fans in Southern California and across the nation, Ohanian’s investment in a Los Angeles LOVB team signifies more than just another sports franchise. It represents a deeper integration of professional volleyball into the mainstream sports conversation, offering a new avenue for entertainment and athletic admiration. The blend of a high-quality professional league with a robust youth development system ensures that the passion for volleyball will continue to grow for generations to come.
The arrival of a Los Angeles team in 2027 will not only provide a platform for elite athletes but also a focal point for community pride and engagement. With Ohanian’s proven track record in fostering successful women’s sports organizations and LOVB’s unique and effective model, the future of professional volleyball in the U.S. looks brighter than ever, promising thrilling competition and inspiring new athletes.
