League One Volleyball Taps Inner Circle Sports to Guide LOVB Pro's Next Phase of Expansion

League One Volleyball (LOVB) today announced it has retained Inner Circle Sports, one of the sports industry's premier investment banks, to advise LOVB Pro's next phase of expansion and long-term growth.

The engagement comes as LOVB Pro builds upon a strong second season and professional volleyball continues to gain momentum in the United States, positioning the league for its next phase of strategic growth.

Inner Circle Sports, which served as financial and strategic advisor to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and led its competitive expansion process during a transformative period for women's professional sports, will work directly with LOVB Pro’s executive leadership and advise on its expansion strategy, market evaluation, ownership opportunities and other long-term strategic analyses as the league continues to scale nationally.

"This is a pivotal moment for professional volleyball and for women's sports more broadly," said Sandra Idehen, Commissioner of LOVB Pro. "LOVB Pro was built with a long-term vision to create a league that elevates athletes, connects communities and grows the sport at every level. As we continue expanding, Inner Circle Sports brings the experience and perspective needed to help us identify the opportunities that will strengthen the league for the future. Their work with the NWSL and other leading sports organizations makes them the right partner for this next chapter."

That momentum is reflected both on and off the court. LOVB showcases an elite world class roster, with over 75% of athletes possessing national team experience and nearly 20% being Olympians. Representing 25 countries and led by a world-class coaching staff boasting 14 collective Olympic medals, LOVB defines the pinnacle of global volleyball excellence.

Off the court, LOVB more than doubled average broadcast viewership during its second season through its expanded partnership with USA Network alongside founding partner ESPN, increased season-long social impressions by 65% and championship social impressions by 273% over Season One, achieved double-digit growth in season ticket memberships and group sales, and grew its commercial partner roster to more than 30 brands, including Chase, adidas, YETI, SKIMS, and Dagne Dover.

"The accelerating popularity of volleyball makes LOVB one of the most compelling opportunities in sports today," said Maddie Winslow of Inner Circle Sports. "Volleyball is the number one girls' team sport in the country, and that demand, paired with LOVB's established presence across the youth volleyball ecosystem, gives LOVB Pro a strong and differentiated foundation. LOVB has also assembled top-tier talent across the organization, from its players to the front office, and ownership alike, best positioning the league to capitalize on favorable market tailwinds and its differentiated position as it continues to scale. We're excited to help the League find new opportunities for expansion and build on its momentum.”

Founded in 2002, Inner Circle Sports advises many of the world's leading sports leagues, franchises, ownership groups and investors across league expansion, franchise transactions, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and strategic growth initiatives. Inner Circle Sports was acquired by William Blair in July 2026 to expand the firm’s reach and capabilities in sports, media, and entertainment.

For more information about League One Volleyball and LOVB Pro, visit LOVB.com.