Alexis Ohanian backs League One Volleyball, further expanding his women's sports portfolio

Alexis Ohanian's investment firm, Seven Seven Six, is expanding its women's sports portfolio by leading the ownership group for LOVB Los Angeles Volleyball, a new professional team within League One Volleyball (LOVB). This strategic move, part of Ohanian's broader commitment to the sector, capitalizes on volleyball's rapid growth in participation and viewership, and follows LOVB's successful fundraising of over $160 million and securing media rights with ESPN. The investment signals continued institutional confidence in the commercial viability and increasing market potential of women's sports.

Analysis

Alexis Ohanian's Seven Seven Six firm is expanding its women's sports portfolio by leading the ownership group for LOVB Los Angeles Volleyball, marking his third investment in LA-based sports teams. This move follows LOVB's successful fundraising of over $160 million from notable investors and securing media rights deals with ESPN and Comcast spinoff Versant, alongside strong inaugural season performance including sold-out matches and over $1 million in merchandise sales.

The investment capitalizes on significant growth in women's volleyball, evidenced by a record 479,000+ high school girl participants in 2023-24 and reported record viewership on ESPN. Ohanian's stated belief that women's sports represent a "tremendous business opportunity" underscores a strategic focus on a sector experiencing increased investment, exposure, and commercial viability.

This private market investment, while financial terms remain undisclosed, signals continued institutional confidence in the burgeoning women's sports economy. The broader trend of high-profile investors like Ohanian and Serena Williams committing capital suggests a re-rating of the long-term potential for fan engagement and revenue generation within this segment.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors should consider increasing exposure to the rapidly growing women's sports market, potentially through media companies with broadcasting rights or private equity funds focused on sports franchises.
• Monitor key performance indicators such as viewership, participation rates, and sponsorship deal values across women's sports leagues to identify further market maturation and investment opportunities.
• Evaluate public companies with established media partnerships or significant brand sponsorships within women's sports for potential indirect benefits from this expanding sector.