Savannah James is investing in the future of women’s volleyball, and daughter Zhuri James is a big part of the reason why.
The mom of three was recently announced as an investor in LOVB Los Angeles, the newest franchise in League One Volleyball. She joins an ownership group that includes Alexis Ohanian and Issa Rae.
“I’ve seen firsthand through my daughter Zhuri how powerful volleyball can be for young girls, the confidence, discipline and sense of community it creates,” Savannah said in a statement.
“I’m excited to be part of LOVB Los Angeles and to help build something special that girls like Zhuri can aspire to be part of one day.”
Savannah shared more about her decision in a separate Instagram post and made it clear that Zhuri’s own experience with the sport played a major role.
“It was important to me to make my investment with LOVB Los Angeles because my daughter is a volleyball player,” she said. “She is coming up alongside amazing athletes who deserve the recognition that they are getting right now.”
She continued, “So, any chance that I have to be able to support that or stand behind it and do things that matter in that way, I am 1000% involved.”
Zhuri, 11, already has a connection to LOVB.
In April, she delivered the ceremonial first serve at the LOVB Volleyball Championship in Long Beach, California. She later interviewed professional volleyball player Skylar Fields during the event.
Although Zhuri comes from one of basketball’s most famous families, volleyball has clearly become her sport.
LeBron James joked about that earlier this year when the subject of his daughter’s basketball ability came up.
“She’s a volleyball player, don’t get my wife mad,” he said. “My wife is done with basketball, she’s done with it.”
LeBron admitted that Zhuri has still picked up plenty from being around the game.
“[Zhuri’s] a volleyball player. But she’s been around the game for a while, so she does got good handles and she’s good form, too. But my wife ain’t playing that. Not another one. She says that’s it.”
For Savannah, the investment gives her a chance to support a sport that has already become an important part of her daughter’s life while helping create more opportunities for other girls coming up behind her.
LOVB Los Angeles is set to begin play during the league’s 2026-27 season.
