Los Angeles Franchise Ahead of 2027 Season
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Ben Priest, and Alisha Childress Lead Ambitious New Chapter for Professional Volleyball
As the popularity of professional volleyball continues to surge across the United States, the Major League Volleyball Los Angeles Team is poised to become one of the sport’s most significant expansion stories. Major League Volleyball (MLV) has officially announced the launch of a Los Angeles franchise for the 2027 season, marking a major milestone in the league’s national growth strategy and reinforcing Southern California’s position as a premier destination for elite sports.
Led by renowned entrepreneur and investor Patrick Soon-Shiong, who serves as majority owner and founder of the franchise, the organization aims to combine world-class competition, cutting-edge technology, and innovative fan experiences. Joining him is Ben Priest, one of the architects behind Major League Volleyball’s growth and former governing owner of the Omaha Supernovas.
The franchise has also named Olympic volleyball standout Alisha Childress as Head of Competition and Head Coach, bringing championship pedigree and international experience to the organization’s leadership team.
A Strategic Expansion for Major League Volleyball
The launch of the Major League Volleyball Los Angeles Team represents more than geographic expansion. League executives view Los Angeles as a transformational market capable of accelerating professional volleyball’s visibility and commercial success.
“This is about building more than a team; it is about building a lasting platform for the future of women’s professional sports,” said Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong.
He emphasized the unique advantages Los Angeles offers, including access to sports innovation, media infrastructure, elite training resources, and one of the world’s most influential entertainment ecosystems. By leveraging these assets, the franchise hopes to create a blueprint for the future of professional volleyball both in the United States and internationally.
The timing is also significant. With growing fan engagement, increasing youth participation, and heightened attention surrounding Olympic volleyball, league leaders believe the sport is entering a new era of opportunity.
Los Angeles Positioned as Volleyball’s Next Power Market
According to MLV Commissioner Jaime Weston, Los Angeles possesses all the ingredients necessary to become one of the world’s leading professional volleyball destinations.
The region boasts one of the nation’s strongest volleyball cultures, producing elite collegiate, professional, and Olympic talent year after year. Combined with its passionate sports audience and global visibility, Los Angeles offers an ideal environment for continued league growth.
“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 said.
The commissioner highlighted the city’s enthusiasm for live sporting events and its ability to attract attention from both domestic and international audiences.
NantWorks Campus to Serve as Franchise Headquarters
The franchise’s operational center will be anchored by the expanding NantWorks campus in El Segundo.
The facility will support:
- Team operations
- Athlete performance programs
- Administrative functions
- Sports science initiatives
- Training and development resources
By integrating advanced technology and performance analytics, the organization aims to create one of the most sophisticated professional volleyball environments in North America.
Ben Priest noted that the project builds directly on the momentum generated during MLV’s first three seasons while establishing a foundation for sustainable growth.
“We’re focused on long-term growth for the league, its athletes, and the sport,” Priest said.
Alisha Childress Brings Championship Experience
The appointment of Alisha Childress immediately gives the new franchise a respected leader with experience at the highest levels of competition.
An Olympian and three-time NCAA champion, Childress has earned recognition nationally and internationally for her excellence as both a player and coach. Her reputation for player development and competitive excellence made her a natural choice to guide the franchise from day one.
“Los Angeles deserves a pro volleyball franchise that reflects the ambition, diversity, and energy of this city,” Childress said.
She emphasized the organization’s commitment to creating an elite environment where athletes can compete at the highest level while inspiring future generations of volleyball players throughout Southern California and beyond.
Building the Future of Professional Volleyball
Entering its fourth season in 2027, Major League Volleyball continues to establish itself as the longest-running formal professional volleyball league in the United States.
The league’s mission centers on:
- Elevating professional volleyball competition
- Expanding commercial opportunities for athletes
- Increasing cultural relevance and fan engagement
- Supporting Olympic development pathways
- Strengthening alignment with USA Volleyball
The Los Angeles franchise represents a key component of that vision.
With ownership committed to innovation, a respected coaching leader in place, and one of the nation’s strongest volleyball communities as its foundation, the Major League Volleyball Los Angeles Team enters the professional sports landscape with significant momentum and expectations.
Fans can expect additional announcements in the coming weeks, including the team’s official name, branding identity, and inaugural marketing campaign.
Michelle M. Mitchell is the Publisher of OMG Culture Magazine, a global multicultural online news publication. With a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial vision, she leads the magazine’s coverage of culture, society, and luxury lifestyle. As a contributor, Michelle brings her expertise in high-profile events, entertainment, and community features, offering readers a distinctive and engaging perspective.
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