New Owners, New Energy for Salt Lake Volleyball
The professional women’s volleyball team in Salt Lake City has just found a new home. Two former NFL stars, Terrence Murphy and Reggie Bush, together with their firm Synergy Sports Capital, have taken over the club’s operating rights. This change comes as the league, called League One Volleyball (LOVB), moves from a group of club teams to fully professional outfits.
“This decision began several years ago when we were looking for a team that matched our vision of growth and culture.” – Murphy
A League in Transition
- Founded: Early 2025
- Original Structure: Six first‑season teams owned by the league
- Current Shift: Ownership now in private investors
Murphy and Bush’s group is the latest addition, following a trend of moving ownership to seasoned business leaders.
Why Salt Lake?
- Style of play that resonates with their strategic vision
- Community vibe that supports fan engagement
- Potential for expansion across Utah
From Football to Volleyball
Murphy’s love for the sport sparked when he watched his daughter compete. He notes that watching volleyball opened his eyes to its speed and the excitement of its crowds. Bush, a standout running back at USC before becoming an NFL draft pick, brings athletic insight and business acumen.
Both men have deep roots in venture capital, real estate, and private equity, always eyeing emerging sports leagues. They see women’s volleyball as one of the fastest‑growing youth sports in America and aim to shape coaching, player development, and fan engagement.
On the Court
- Second season record: 7‑1
- Standings: Near the top
Murphy praised the core group—particularly setter Jordyn Poulter and the libero—and expressed a desire to keep that nucleus together while adding new talent.
Beyond the Locker Room
Murphy envisions a broader impact on Utah’s sports landscape:
- Dedicated stadium district
- Training facilities
- Community programs
The goal: make the club a statewide presence supporting youth participation, higher‑education partnerships, and a vibrant local fan base.
League’s Response
The league’s commissioner welcomed the new owners, noting that their experience with elite athletes and business building will strengthen the league’s foundation. Murphy added that his aim is to craft a home‑court atmosphere so intense that opponents feel the pressure, echoing the energy he felt at his former college and NFL venues.
“In short, the acquisition by Murphy, Bush and Synergy Sports Capital signals a fresh chapter for Salt Lake’s volleyball team—one that blends professional sports acumen with a genuine passion for growing women’s athletics.” – Murphy
