Greatest Family Inspiration: How LeBron James’ daughter Zhuri gave Savannah James the reason to pursue her latest business venture | NBA News
Savannah James’ investment in women’s volleyball has a personal reason. Her daughter, Zhuri James inspired Savanna to invest in the team. Savannah recently became an investor in LOVB Los Angeles, a professional League One Volleyball team, joining an ownership group that includes Alexis Ohanian and Issa Rae. For Savannah, the move is about more than becoming part of a new sports venture. It connects directly to the sport her youngest child has embraced.Zhuri has already developed a connection with LOVB after attending the league’s championship event and delivering the ceremonial first serve. Now, with LOVB Los Angeles preparing for its first season in 2026-27, Savannah sees an opportunity to support both her daughter and the wider growth of women’s volleyball.
Savannah James credits daughter Zhuri for inspiring her women’s volleyball investment
Savannah James did not need to look far for a reason to invest in LOVB Los Angeles. Her daughter’s experience with volleyball gave the decision a personal meaning.In a statement, Savannah explained how watching Zhuri play has shaped her view of the sport.“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.The perspective has become central to Savannah’s decision to join the ownership group. She sees the investment as a way to help create a pathway for girls who want to follow the same sport.“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 also spoke about the decision in an Instagram post, making clear that Zhuri’s involvement with volleyball was a major factor.“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 already has a connection with LOVB. In April, she delivered the first serve at the LOVB Volleyball Championship in Long Beach, California, and later interviewed professional volleyball player Skylar Fields.Her involvement also stands out because basketball has been such a major part of the James family. LeBron James, Bronny James and Bryce James have all been connected to basketball, but Zhuri has taken a different sporting path.LeBron acknowledged that earlier this year when discussing his daughter’s basketball ability.“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 also admitted that Zhuri has still absorbed plenty from growing up around basketball.“[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 direct way to support something that has already become important to her daughter.
Savannah James joins Issa Rae as investor in League One Volleyball team
Savannah is joining an ownership group led by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian through his investment firm, Seven Seven Six. The group also includes Issa Rae, adding another prominent name to the ownership side of LOVB Los Angeles.Savannah shared her excitement about working alongside the group in an Instagram post.“So excited to be alongside Issa Rae and Alexis Ohanian in this journey,” James expressed.The investment comes ahead of LOVB Los Angeles’ first season. The team is scheduled to begin play during the league’s 2026-27 season, with home games set for the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.The franchise is also preparing for its connection with fans before the season begins. A Fan Fest is scheduled for Sept. 26, giving players an opportunity to meet supporters before the new campaign.Savannah also highlighted what the team already has in place, pointing to its coaching staff and playing roster.“We have amazing coaches, Olympic-level athletes, a roster that can’t be beat, honestly. So, so excited for you guys to join us this season,” she continued.
Who is Savannah James?
Savannah James, born Savannah Brinson on Aug. 27, 1986, in Akron, Ohio, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and the wife of NBA superstar LeBron James.Savannah and LeBron met while they were in high school and have remained together since then. They married in 2013 and have three children: Bronny, Bryce and Zhuri.While her family is closely associated with LeBron’s basketball career, Savannah has developed her own interests and projects. She has been involved in charitable and community initiatives, with a particular focus on education and women’s empowerment.She played a key role in launching the LeBron James Family Foundation and founded Women of Our Future, a mentorship program supporting young women in Akron.Savannah has also worked in design and interior decorating while developing interests in fashion and wellness. Her investment in LOVB Los Angeles adds another sports-related business venture to that wider portfolio.
All about LeBron and Savannah James’ daughter Zhuri Nova
Zhuri Nova James is the youngest child of LeBron and Savannah James. She was born on Oct. 22, 2014, after her parents had already welcomed sons Bronny and Bryce.LeBron has spoken warmly about his daughter and the role she plays in his life.“My daughter is the greatest thing in my life, along with my boys,” LeBron told Access Hollywood in 2021. “So, whenever she smiles, it don’t matter what I’m doing, it makes me happy.”Zhuri has grown up in the spotlight and has appeared alongside her family at events and in campaigns. She attended the ESPY Awards, accompanied LeBron to the premiere of Space Jam: A New Legacy and appeared in a 2023 Beats by Dre campaign with her family.She has also explored fashion. In 2020, Zhuri helped launch the Janie and Jack x Harlem’s Fashion Row collection and spoke about her excitement surrounding the project.“I’m most excited about the fashion and talking to the designers,” she told PEOPLE. Zhuri also revealed that she had “practiced with” her mother, Savannah.Away from fashion, she launched an Instagram account and YouTube channel. Her YouTube series, All Things Zhuri, included videos featuring her interests, with LeBron appearing in one episode.But volleyball has emerged as the clearest sporting connection for Savannah’s daughter. LeBron has shared videos of Zhuri playing, including one in 2023 in which he cheered her on.“Another One in the making! Uh-Oh 😱!!” LeBron captioned a carousel of videos. “Let’s Gooooooo Munchin!! @allthingszhuri got NEXT!! 🏐 VIBES!! #JamesGang👑 #ZTheWarriorPrincess👸🏾.”That path now has a direct connection to Savannah’s latest investment. As LOVB Los Angeles prepares for its first season, Zhuri’s passion for volleyball has helped give her mother a personal reason to become part of the league’s next chapter.
