Major League Volleyball (MLV) has announced the launch of its Los Angeles franchise ahead of the team’s inaugural 2027 season. The franchise is led by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, majority owner and founder of MLV LA and a minority stakeholder in the Los Angeles Lakers.

 

Ben Priest will serve as governor and managing partner. Priest has been one of the architects of MLV and previously served as the Governing Owner of the Omaha Supernovas before the launch of the MLV LA venture. Alisha Childress, a respected and rising star among volleyball coaches, will serve as the team’s first head of competition and head coach.

 

“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. Soon-Shiong. “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. ”

 

“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,” said Jaime Weston, Commissioner of Major League Volleyball. “LA has all the ingredients to become one of the premier professional volleyball markets in the world, including a strong volleyball community, deep ties to sports and entertainment, and fans who embrace live events and big moments.”

 

“Los Angeles gives us the opportunity to build on the momentum of the first three MLV seasons in a market that naturally brings together sports, media, entertainment, and culture,” said Priest. “We’re focused on long-term growth for the league, its athletes, and the sport.”

 

Childress is an Olympian and three-time NCAA Champion, she has had success at all levels of the sport, being named the top player at her position on multiple occasions.

 

“Los Angeles deserves a pro volleyball franchise that reflects the ambition, diversity, and energy of this city,” said Childress. “Our goal is to build a world-class environment where elite athletes can compete, grow, and inspire the next generation.”

 

The organization will unveil the official team identity, branding, and inaugural creative campaign in the coming weeks.