League One Volleyball (LOVB) has named Sandra Idehen as the first commissioner of its Pro league.
Idehen is a former senior leader at Nike and Jordan Brand and brings over 15 years of experience as a global sports and brand executive to LOVB.
“Sandra is exactly the kind of leader LOVB was built to attract at this stage of our growth,” said Peter Hirschmann, Executive Chairman and Founder of League One Volleyball. “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. We are thrilled to welcome her as our first Commissioner as we continue building, expanding, and defining the future of the game.”
Idehen arrives as the league has already started its second season and is looking to take a big leap after a successful inaugural debut last year.
In year one, LOVB fielded six teams. This year, the league added three new teams and five new ownerships groups. In addition, LOVB expanded their broadcast partnerships, which includes ESPN, works with over 30 partners and has a “rapidly growing roster of 90 world-class athletes.”
Idehen’s role will be to manage what LOVB has established so far while working on aggressive expansion over the years to come.
“LOVB was built with intention, and that foundation is unmistakable,” said Idehen. “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.”
If anyone has the experience and ability to take LOVB to the next level, it’s Idehen.
She has global marketing experience, serving in roles based in South Africa, the Netherlands, and the United States. Most recently, she was the Vice President and General Manager of Jordan Basketball and Sport, where she led the brand’s global sport portfolio across basketball, football, baseball, golf, and soccer, and served on Nike’s Corporate Leadership Team.
Idehen understands how to build teams across multiple sports and help foster connections with fans, audiences and brands across the globe.
The season has already started and runs through April, so Idehen is hitting the court running.
