(WBAP/KLIF) — After debuting a new professional cricket team a few weeks ago, North Texas is continuing it’s reputation of being a sports mecca as DFW will soon be home to a new pro women’s volleyball team.
The Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) has announced the addition of Dallas as the league’s newest franchise. A Dallas-based investment group, led by Mandalorian Capital founder Armand Sadoughi, owns the team, which will debut in 2025. The PVF opens play in 2024 with teams from Atlanta, San Diego, Columbus (OH), Grand Rapids (MI), Omaha, and Orlando. In 2025, a new Dallas franchise will join the league, officially bringing professional women’s volleyball to North Texas. A total of up to 8 league teams are expected in 2024, with Dallas and other cities to be announced for 2025.
According to co-owner Armand Sadoughi, the Dallas market is prime for pro volleyball and gives collegiate athletes a chance to extend their career, as the only viable option has been playing overseas in Europe away from family and for meager wages.
Dallas team co-owner Evan Stone says volleyball is extremely popular in the Metroplex with over 14,000 USAV members. Over the next two years, owners will choose a name, develop a logo, select players, name a coach, and choose a venue where the Dallas women’s pro volleyball team will play.
Dallas is the seventh team to be announced by the Pro Volleyball Federation, with more franchises expected to be announced in the coming months.
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Full Pro Volleyball Federation Press Release:
| Dallas Joins Pro Volleyball Federationas League’s Newest Franchise – Wall Street veteran Armand Sadoughi leads Dallas team acquisition group –– Dallas becomes second Pro Volleyball Federation team in top 10 U.S. market –– Team will take the floor starting in Pro Volleyball Federation’s 2025 season – |
| Frisco, TX / Columbus, OH – Pro Volleyball Federation, the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America, has announced the addition of Dallas, Texas, as the home of its newest franchise. The team has been acquired by a Dallas-based investment group led by Wall Street veteran and Mandalorian Capital founder Armand Sadoughi and other Dallas business community leaders, including noted local business lawyers Evan D. Stone and Michel Benitez, Mubina Benitez and Richard Zaleskie.
Dallas becomes the first announced team that will begin play in the 2025 Pro Volleyball Federation season. Pro Volleyball Federation’s inaugural season will launch in February 2024 with seven teams stretching from coast to coast. The league is expected to announce additional 2025 teams in the coming days. “With the acquisition of the Dallas Pro Volleyball Federation franchise, our group is beyond excited to embark on this new journey,” exclaimed Mr. Sadoughi. “Volleyball is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing team sports by participation nationwide, and Dallas itself is an epicenter for the women’s game, with a long-standing tradition of excellence in the sport through its leading teams, clubs, players, and coaches. We are thrilled with the opportunity for local athletes to play professionally at home in front of friends and family. In addition, it is clear that top-flight women’s sports is a growing – and important – opportunity in pro sports, and women’s professional volleyball is an exciting, made-for-broadcast team game with an impressive and growing audience. Lastly, Dallas is as passionate about professional sports as anywhere in America and we have no doubt that a winning team in Dallas, complete with the highest-caliber, dedicated female athletes, can be a rallying point for the city.” Dallas also becomes the second publicly announced Pro Volleyball Federation team in a top 10 U.S. media market, joining the league’s Atlanta franchise. Pro Volleyball Federation will launch real pro volleyball in February 2024 with announced teams in Atlanta, Orlando, San Diego, Columbus (OH), Grand Rapids (MI), and Omaha. The Dallas team will take the floor in 2025 – Pro Volleyball Federation’s second season and following the 2024 Olympic Games – giving it runway to build a franchise fitting for one of the premier volleyball markets in the United States. Mr. Sadoughi added: “It’s an honor to contribute to the rich sporting culture of Dallas by introducing professional women’s volleyball to this vibrant community. Members of our ownership group, through their daughters’ competitions, have been club volleyball supporters in the city for years and are passionate about the game and its potential. Our goal is to further enhance the city’s volleyball legacy nationwide, build on the countless winning traditions in Dallas pro sports, and create a new, incredibly fun – and electric – entertainment experience for sports fans throughout all of North Texas.” “From the very initial planning stages of our league, we knew Dallas was a market that we had to be in, so the announcement of our Dallas franchise marks another milestone for Pro Volleyball Federation and women’s professional volleyball overall,” said Pro Volleyball Federation co-founder Stephen Evans. “As illustrated by sellout crowds at recent top-level international matches, the demand for the highest level of women’s volleyball in Dallas is immense. Not only does the addition of Dallas support the pro aspirations of top volleyball players locally and throughout the world, it is also another indication of the momentum Pro Volleyball Federation has created in just a few short months. We are delighted to welcome Armand’s talented and energetic group as owners and business partners.” “Dallas has a proud and storied history with volleyball, and we celebrate that legacy with the addition of a Pro Volleyball Federation franchise,” said Monica Paul, Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission. “Volleyball is a staple in our community, as we annually host the Lone Star Classic National Qualifier, have hosted USA Volleyball Championships, and serve as home to more than 14,000 USAV members. We look forward to showcasing our region’s passion for the sport as we welcome the Dallas Pro Volleyball Federation team in 2025.” The new Dallas team will soon be making announcements related to its name and logo, executive staff, coaching staff, and playing venue. Those wishing to become involved with the Dallas Pro Volleyball Federation team should contact Armand Sadoughi at 917-892-1423 or contact@dallasprovolleyball.com. ABOUT MANDALORIAN CAPITAL ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION |
