Issa Rae Joins LOVB Los Angeles as Investor
The Los Angeles native joins professional volleyball team LOVB Los Angeles’ ownership group, investing in the future of women’s sports in her hometown.
LOS ANGELES, CA - (September 9, 2026) - LOVB Los Angeles, (pronounced LOVE) the newest professional sports franchise in Southern California, announced today that acclaimed actor, producer, entrepreneur and Los Angeles native Issa Rae has joined the team as an investor, adding her voice and influence to the city’s newest professional sports franchise.
As a former volleyball player, Los Angeles has been central to Rae’s life and career. From her upbringing in the city to building a groundbreaking career rooted in authentic representations of Los Angeles, Rae has consistently championed the people, creativity and energy that make the city unique. Her investment in LOVB Los Angeles marks a natural extension of that commitment and an opportunity to help build something distinctly LA from the ground up.
"In addition to wanting to support the most elite female athletes, this team’s vision goes far beyond what happens on the court,” said Issa Rae. “It's about investing in Los Angeles, making volleyball more accessible to girls across the city, and giving the next generation more opportunities to play, belong and dream bigger. I'm excited to help build something that feels truly connected to the community it represents."
“Issa is LA, and she understands the power of this city better than almost anyone,” said Alexis Ohanian, founder of 776 and owner of LOVB Los Angeles. “Having her alongside us as we build LOVB Los Angeles is a huge win, not just for our team, but for the future of women’s sports.”
“Issa has spent her career creating things that are unmistakably LA, while opening doors and creating opportunities for the next generation,” said Ana Mendy, President of LOVB Los Angeles. “That’s exactly the kind of person we want helping us build this team. She understands the impact of sport and culture to bring people together, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her as part of LOVB Los Angeles.”
The announcement comes as LOVB Los Angeles continues to build toward its inaugural 2027 season. The team recently announced that Intuit Dome in Inglewood, will serve as its inaugural home, bringing professional women’s volleyball to one of Los Angeles’ newest and most celebrated sports and entertainment venues.
LOVB Los Angeles will officially unveil its team name and brand on Friday, September 25, 2026, marking the next major milestone on the road to the franchise’s inaugural season.
The celebration will continue on Saturday, September 26, with a Fan Fest and Select-a-Seat experience, giving fans an opportunity to celebrate the new team and be among the first to select their seats for LOVB Los Angeles’ inaugural season.
About LOVB Los Angeles
LOVB Los Angeles (pronounced LOVE) is building Southern California's premier professional volleyball franchise by combining world-class athletes, community involvement, and an unmatched fan experience. The team will debut at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood during LOVB's third professional season as it helps usher in a new era for professional volleyball in Los Angeles. LOVB Los Angeles is the seventh franchise in League One Volleyball (LOVB), the first youth-to-professional volleyball ecosystem in the United States. (www.lovbla.com)
MEDIA CONTACTS
LOVB Los Angeles
Cassie Schienle
The FWRD Agency
(213) 447-2254