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League One Volleyball (LOVB) officially has a commissioner.
LOVB hired ex-Nike and Jordan Brand executive Sandra Idehen as its first commissioner. She spent seven years at Nike before joining LOVB, most recently serving as global vice president of Jordan Basketball and Sport. In her new role, her responsibilities will include league operations, long-term strategy, brand development and the expansion of LOVB's youth-to-pro ecosystem.
“LOVB was built with intention, and that foundation is unmistakable,” Idehen said in a statement. “This league represents access, opportunity, and belief in what is possible when athletes are supported at every stage of their journey. I’m honored to step into this role, to build on an incredible foundation from our founding teams, and to help guide LOVB through its next phase of growth as we continue to elevate volleyball on a global stage.”
“Sandra [Idehen] is exactly the kind of leader LOVB was built to attract at this stage of our growth,” Peter Hirschmann, executive chairman and founder of LOVB, said. “She brings a global perspective, deep sports expertise, and a proven ability to lead complex organizations with clarity and purpose. Just as importantly, she shares our belief that women’s volleyball deserves a professional league that reflects the scale, ambition, and cultural relevance of the sport.”
Before Idehen's hiring, LOVB was led by president Rosie Spaulding. Front Office Sports reports Spaulding is expected to work alongside Idehen for the remainder of the 2026 LOVB season before transitioning into an advisory role. Idehen plans to attend her first match as commissioner on Friday when LOVB Madison takes on LOVB Nebraska at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
“The first thing I’m doing in Omaha is actually going to serve and pass so I can spend time with the players,” LOVB's new commissioner said.
“As someone who is a former athlete, that’s going to be one of the key pillars of the way I plan to lead as commissioner … I want to make sure I maintain the way we’ve had our athletes at the center.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LOVB taps ex-Nike executive as volleyball league's first commissioner
Continue reading...
LOVB hired ex-Nike and Jordan Brand executive Sandra Idehen as its first commissioner. She spent seven years at Nike before joining LOVB, most recently serving as global vice president of Jordan Basketball and Sport. In her new role, her responsibilities will include league operations, long-term strategy, brand development and the expansion of LOVB's youth-to-pro ecosystem.
“LOVB was built with intention, and that foundation is unmistakable,” Idehen said in a statement. “This league represents access, opportunity, and belief in what is possible when athletes are supported at every stage of their journey. I’m honored to step into this role, to build on an incredible foundation from our founding teams, and to help guide LOVB through its next phase of growth as we continue to elevate volleyball on a global stage.”
“Sandra [Idehen] is exactly the kind of leader LOVB was built to attract at this stage of our growth,” Peter Hirschmann, executive chairman and founder of LOVB, said. “She brings a global perspective, deep sports expertise, and a proven ability to lead complex organizations with clarity and purpose. Just as importantly, she shares our belief that women’s volleyball deserves a professional league that reflects the scale, ambition, and cultural relevance of the sport.”
Before Idehen's hiring, LOVB was led by president Rosie Spaulding. Front Office Sports reports Spaulding is expected to work alongside Idehen for the remainder of the 2026 LOVB season before transitioning into an advisory role. Idehen plans to attend her first match as commissioner on Friday when LOVB Madison takes on LOVB Nebraska at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
“The first thing I’m doing in Omaha is actually going to serve and pass so I can spend time with the players,” LOVB's new commissioner said.
“As someone who is a former athlete, that’s going to be one of the key pillars of the way I plan to lead as commissioner … I want to make sure I maintain the way we’ve had our athletes at the center.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LOVB taps ex-Nike executive as volleyball league's first commissioner
Continue reading...
