Dallas Joins Pro Volleyball Federation as 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.”
Pro Volleyball Federation has signed a number of America’s great volleyball players to compete in the league during the 2024 season. Additionally, the league has attracted numerous national team players from countries around the world. Coaches in the league include some of the top veteran and up-and-coming United States college coaches, as well as those with successful careers in the international game.
“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.”
Recently named the country’s Best City for Sports Business by Sports Business Journal and consistently ranking among the top cities in the United States for sports fans, Dallas has proven to be one of America’s true sports hubs, filled with passionate and loyal fans of their favorite pro teams.
"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
Mandalorian Capital (www.mandaloriancapitalgroup.com) is an investment management firm, founded by Armand Sadoughi, focused on public and private investments across various industries. Armand Sadoughi is a Wall Street veteran whose experience has spanned over two decades with some of the most prestigious investment banks including Lazard and Goldman Sachs. In addition, he is co-founder of Lele Sadoughi where he serves as Chairman.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation (www.provolleyball.com) is REAL pro volleyball and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in February 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America.
For Media Inquiries or to arrange interviews, contact: Rob Carolla, (214-208-1876 / rob@provolleyball.com)
