Leafue One Volleyball (LOVB) is not a traditional league. Its model follows a European approach, building from the grassroots to the elite level. Currently, it has 66 clubs across 26 states, with over 14,000 athletes in development, ensuring a constant flow of talent to the professional league.

In January, six teams will kick off the professional competition, a crucial step for a sport that, despite its popularity in American schools and colleges, lacked a sustainable national league. According to Katlyn Gao, co-founder and CEO of LOVB, the goal has always been to harness the potential of women’s volleyball to create a movement that inspires both players and fans.

INVESTMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The growth of women’s sports is not only reflected in the creation of LOVB but also in the financial backing it has received. Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit, recently pledged $30 million to U.S. Soccer, highlighting the importance of providing athletes with the resources they need to excel.

Kang and other investors, such as Kevin Durant, have emphasized that women’s sports have historically been undervalued, and this new financial interest represents a significant shift. For Gao, these investments signal that the sports industry is beginning to truly appreciate the talent and impact of women in sports.

A GROWING MARKET

Interest in women’s sports has grown exponentially. A recent report by The Collective estimates that team valuations in the WNBA and NWSL will rise by $1.6 billion over the next three years. LOVB aims to position itself as a cornerstone of this wave of development.

Gao noted that when the idea for LOVB emerged five years ago, the landscape was entirely different. Today, volleyball not only attracts over 400,000 girls in school programs but also fills stadiums, as evidenced by the recent attendance record of 92,000 people at a college match in Nebraska.

A FUTURE WITHOUT LIMITATIONS

One key advantage of LOVB is that, with no men’s indoor volleyball league in the United States, the project has had the freedom to innovate and develop its own identity. This has allowed it to focus exclusively on what works best for the women’s game.

“We’re creating something unique,” Gao said. “Our connection to the grassroots not only strengthens our structure but also ensures we’re on the right track to building a sustainable and successful league.” With the backing of major investments and a clear vision, LOVB is poised to transform women’s volleyball into a global benchmark.