Volleyball Takes Center Court: La Joins Major League Volleyball Lineup

The Hollywood Serve: LA's New Volleyball Franchise

Los Angeles, get ready to spike it like it's hot! Major League Volleyball announced on Tuesday that the City of Angels will host its very own franchise, slated to launch in 2027. This is all thanks to the backing of billionaire entrepreneur and Los Angeles Times owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong. With his vision and investment, the league is set to expand its national footprint, bringing a fresh SoCal vibe to the sport.

The franchise will be spearheaded by Soon-Shiong, who steps in as the majority owner and founder, with Ben Priest serving as governor and managing partner. This move is part of a broader push to elevate professional women's volleyball in the U.S. as the league looks ahead to its fourth season in 2027. "This is about building more than a team; it is about building a lasting platform for the future of women's professional sports," Soon-Shiong expressed with excitement.

“Los Angeles gives us a unique opportunity to bring together elite competition, advanced technology, media innovation, and world-class infrastructure in a way that can redefine the future of professional volleyball," shared Soon-Shiong.

Setting the Stage for Success

To ensure the team serves up nothing but the best, Alisha Childress – an Olympian and three-time NCAA champion – is stepping in as the franchise's first head of competition and head coach. "Los Angeles deserves a pro volleyball franchise that reflects the ambition, diversity, and energy of this city," Childress emphasized, hinting at a dynamic playing field where top-tier athletes can grow, compete, and inspire future stars.

The newly minted team will call the El Segundo-based NantWorks campus home, providing a robust hub for team operations, administration, and athlete performance. This offers the perfect blend of sports and Silicon Beach innovation, with the Pacific Ocean just a stone's throw away.

A Cultural Fit for Tinseltown

Jaime Weston, Major League Volleyball Commissioner, highlighted the city's strong volleyball culture and existing sports infrastructure as key factors in choosing Los Angeles. "Adding Los Angeles is an important step in the growth of Major League Volleyball and our long-term vision for the sport in the United States," Weston noted, underscoring the city's role as a cultural and entertainment epicenter.

As the sun sets over the Santa Monica Pier, LA's embrace of a pro volleyball team brings a new chapter to the city's storied sports history, promising a mix of gritty competition and Hollywood glamour. Get ready, LA – the court is yours!