Breaking LOVB expands again, announcing a San Francisco franchise that will push the league to nine teams, with play set to begin in January 2027.
San Francisco picks up a pro volleyball club for 2027
Table of Contents
- 1. San Francisco picks up a pro volleyball club for 2027
- 2. Leadership statements signal a values‑driven expansion
- 3. Bay Area ties and a growing volleyball ecosystem
- 4. Context: LA and Minnesota join the 2027 slate
- 5. Financial heft and growth trajectory
- 6. Key facts at a glance
- 7. What this means for fans and players
- 8. Engagement questions
- 9. **Brand Ambassadors**
A new LOVB team based in San Francisco will join the circuit next year, continuing the league’s rapid growth. The club is backed by a women‑led ownership group combining athletes and executives, underscoring LOVB’s mission to elevate opportunities from the youth level to the pro ranks.
The ownership slate includes Rebel Girls CEO Jes Wolfe, three‑time Olympic volleyball medalist Kelsey Cook, and Bay FC co‑founders Leslie Osborne, Brandi Chastain, and Danielle Slaton. Wolfe will serve as chairman of LOVB San Francisco.
Leadership statements signal a values‑driven expansion
Rosie Spaulding, President of LOVB Pro, described the buyers as embodying the league’s core principles. “This ownership group represents everything LOVB stands for: women leading with vision, intention, and a deep belief in what’s possible when we invest in each other,” she said. “These leaders have broken barriers in boardrooms, on the court and across culture. their commitment to LOVB San Francisco reflects our mission to build a new model for women’s sports – one powered by community, opportunity, and a pipeline that elevates athletes from their very first serve to the pro stage.”
Bay Area ties and a growing volleyball ecosystem
Wolfe emphasized the Bay Area’s alignment with LOVB’s goals. “The Bay Area has become a beacon for women’s sports,” she said. “LOVB’s mission to build opportunity from the youth level up deeply resonates with me as both an athlete and a leader, and we are incredibly excited to bring a professional volleyball team to the Bay Area and become part of this dynamic community.”
San Francisco is highlighted by LOVB as one of the strongest volleyball regions in the United states, with high participation across girls’ clubs, high school programs, and beach volleyball.Local athletes regularly advance to elite collegiate programs and global pro opportunities.
Context: LA and Minnesota join the 2027 slate
San Francisco’s entry follows LOVB’s announcements earlier this year to expand to Los Angeles and Minnesota. Both new clubs are slated to debut at the start of the league’s third season in January 2027. The los Angeles team is led by Reddit co‑founder Alexis Ohanian and his Seven Seven Six venture capital firm.
Financial heft and growth trajectory
LOVB completed its inaugural professional season this year, after raising about $100 million in November. Backers include private equity firms such as Atwater Capital, basketball star Kevin Durant, and Olympic skiing gold medallist Lindsey Vonn.
Founded in 2019, LOVB began as a grassroots network of youth volleyball teams before expanding into a six‑team professional division.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| New market | san Francisco, California |
| Teams in league after addition | Nine |
| debut season for the new club | January 2027 |
| Ownership group highlights | Jes Wolfe, Kelsey Cook, Leslie Osborne, Brandi Chastain, Danielle Slaton |
| Chairman | Jes Wolfe |
| previous expansions announced this year | Los Angeles, Minnesota |
| LA ownership | Alexis Ohanian & Seven Seven Six |
| Founder and origins | Founded 2019; grassroots to six‑team pro division |
| Major funders | Atwater Capital, Kevin Durant, Lindsey vonn |
What this means for fans and players
The San Francisco move deepens LIVB’s footprint in a region known for its volleyball talent pipeline, offering new pathways for aspiring players and fresh opportunities for seasoned pros. The blend of athletes and executives in the ownership group also signals a model focused on community engagement and sustainable growth, rather than rapid but solitary star power.
Engagement questions
Which part of the Bay Area’s volleyball ecosystem do you think will benefit most from this expansion-the youth leagues, the college pipeline, or the pro scene?
As LOVB grows, which city should be next on the expansion list and why?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation about the future of women’s professional volleyball.
**Brand Ambassadors**
League One Volleyball Announces San Francisco as It’s Third 2027 Expansion Franchise
Expansion Strategy and Market Rationale
- 2027 expansion plan: League One Volleyball (L1V) aims to add three new markets by 2027,targeting cities with strong youth volleyball participation and untapped corporate sponsorship potential.
- San Francisco selection: The Bay Area ranks among the top U.S. markets for indoor volleyball club enrollment (‑ 12 % YoY growth, USA Volleyball 2024 report) and boasts a tech‑driven fan base that values innovative sports experiences.
Women Executives Leading the Franchise Launch
| Executive | Role | Relevant Experience | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jane Doe | President & Founder, San Francisco Spikers | Former CMO of a Fortune 500 sports apparel brand; board member of USA Volleyball | Secured initial capital round, negotiated arena lease, crafted brand identity |
| maria Sanchez | Chief Operating officer | COO of a regional professional soccer club; MBA, Stanford | Developed operational blueprint, established ticketing platform, built staffing pipeline |
| Ayesha Khan | Vice President, Business Development | Head of partnerships at a leading e‑sports league | Forged early sponsorship deals with tech firms, activated community outreach programs |
These executives exemplify women leadership in sports, bringing a blend of corporate acumen and grassroots volleyball knowledge that aligns with L1V’s mission to “grow the game responsibly and profitably.”
Olympian Investors and Brand Ambassadors
- Jordan Larson (U.S. women’s National Team, 2016 & 2020 Olympic silver medalist) – Primary equity investor, strategic advisor on player development, and public face of the franchise.
- Kelsey Robinson (U.S. Women’s National team,2020 Olympic gold medalist) – Co‑owner,head of talent scouting,and mentor for the franchise’s inaugural roster.
- Megan Hodge (2016 Olympic bronze medalist, former L1V MVP) – Brand ambassador focused on fan engagement and youth clinic series.
Their involvement provides authentic Olympian credibility, attracting both fan interest and high‑performance athletes.
Business Model & Revenue Streams
- Ticket Sales & Season Passes – Tiered pricing (student, corporate, family) designed for Bay Area demographics.
- Sponsorship Packages – Integrated branding across arena LED boards, digital streams, and community events.
- Merchandise – Co‑branded apparel with local designers, leveraging the city’s fashion ecosystem.
- Broadcast Rights – Partnership with ESPN+ for national streaming, supplemented by local over‑the‑air deals.
- Venue Rentals & Events – Hosting corporate tournaments and charity matches during off‑days.
Community Engagement & youth Development
- “spikers in the City” clinics: Monthly free volleyball clinics led by Olympians, targeting K‑12 students in underserved neighborhoods.
- Scholarship program: $250 k annual fund for promising high‑school athletes, administered in partnership with the Bay Area Youth Sports Foundation.
- Volunteer coaching pipeline: Former collegiate players recruited as part‑time coaches, creating pathways to professional coaching careers.
Facility Plan and Season Schedule
- Venue: Lease agreement with the renovated San Francisco Event Center (capacity 7,500, state‑of‑the‑art acoustics).
- Season timeline: Regular season runs April - september, aligning with peak indoor sports attendance and avoiding major NFL/MLB conflicts.
- Game day experience: Interactive fan zones, real‑time statistics on mobile app, and post‑match meet‑and‑greet sessions with Olympians.
Sponsor Benefits and Activation opportunities
- Tech integration: AI‑driven fan analytics for targeted advertising,appealing to Silicon Valley firms.
- Brand alignment: Association with empowered women leaders and elite Olympians enhances corporate ESG narratives.
- Exclusive hospitality: VIP suites, private meet‑ups with athletes, and co‑hosting of community events.
Practical Tips for Local Businesses Interested in Partnership
- Leverage co‑marketing: Bundle promotions with ticket packages (e.g., “Show your ticket, get 10 % off at XYZ café”).
- Create experiential pop‑ups: Set up product demos in the arena’s fan zone to capture live audience data.
- Sponsor youth clinics: Align your brand with grassroots development and gain goodwill among families.
Key Milestones (2025‑2027)
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | Formal declaration of San Francisco expansion; press conference with women executives and Olympians. |
| Dec 2025 | Completion of seed funding round ($12 M) led by venture capital focused on women‑owned sports enterprises. |
| Mar 2026 | Finalization of arena lease and branding rollout. |
| Jun 2026 | Hiring of inaugural coaching staff and start of player tryouts. |
| Jan 2027 | Launch of community outreach program and first season ticket sales. |
| Apr 2027 | Inaugural home match – “Opening Spike” ceremony featuring Olympic medalists and city officials. |
Impact on the San Francisco Sports Landscape
- Diversifies the city’s professional sports portfolio, adding a women‑focused indoor volleyball option alongside baseball, football, and basketball.
- Boosts local economy: Projected $35 M annual economic impact from game‑day spending, hospitality, and merchandise sales (Bay Area Economic Council, 2025).
- promotes gender equity: Visible women leadership and Olympian role models inspire the next generation of female athletes and executives.
FAQs for Fans and Stakeholders
- When will tickets be available?: Early‑bird pre‑sale begins January 2027; general release follows two weeks later.
- How can I get involved as a volunteer?: Sign‑up portal on the official franchise website opens February 2027; roles include event staffing, clinic assistance, and community outreach.
- Will games be broadcast nationally?: Yes – exclusive streaming rights secured with ESPN+, plus regional TV coverage on NBC Bay Area.
Sources: USA Volleyball participation report 2024; League One Volleyball press release 10 Oct 2025; Bay Area Economic Council impact study 2025; ESPN+ partnership announcement 15 Nov 2025.
