ALISHA VALAVANIS NAMED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SEATTLE STORM AND FORCE 10 SPORTS MANAGEMENT
The President and General Manager elevated to CEO following a championship year
SEATTLE – The ownership group of the Seattle Storm is pleased to announce the promotion of Alisha Valavanis to the position of Chief Executive Officer. In this capacity she will serve as CEO for both the Storm and Force 10 Sports Management, while retaining responsibilities as General Manager.
Valavanis joined the Storm in June 2014 as Chief Operating Officer after serving as an assistant athletics director for Cal Athletics at UC Berkeley. She was quickly promoted to President and General Manager in 2015 – titles that she has held since that time.
In four full seasons with Valavanis at the helm, the Storm won a WNBA Championship and performed incredibly well as a business. During her tenure, revenues increased over 60% and profits soared over 250%. Under her leadership, Force 10 Sports Management has successfully hosted a number of high profile events, including the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Championship and the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game. Valavanis also expanded the firm’s client and sponsorship portfolio through operating deals with the Seattle Reign FC (NWSL) and Seattle Seawolves (MLR).
“Alisha has been an amazing leader for our organization and we are thrilled to be able to recognize her success with this promotion,” said Lisa Brummel, co-owner for the Seattle Storm and Force 10 Sports Management.
Deeply anchored in a leadership style that values meaningful community partners, Valavanis was named one of the 2018 Puget Sound Business Journal’s Women of Influence; one year after the publication recognized her as an Outstanding Voice honoree for her commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity. In October she was also named one of Adweek’s Rising Brand Stars in Seattle.
ABOUT THE SEATTLE STORM
The Seattle Storm is a three-time WNBA championship team committed to bringing a premium professional basketball and entertainment experience to a fan base rich in tradition and support. The organization places high value on community and building platforms to positively impact the overall entertainment, attraction and economy of the Puget Sound region. In addition, the Storm is dedicated to local youth development in the areas of fitness and wellness; with a special emphasis on inspiring leadership, motivation and the empowerment of girls and women. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit StormBasketball.com.
ABOUT FORCE 10 SPORTS MANAGEMENT
Force 10 Sports Management, an entity of Force 10 Enterprises, LLC, is the management vertical that operates world-class sports and entertainment events. Based in Seattle, Wash., the company owns and operates the three-time WNBA Champion Seattle Storm, and currently boasts a management portfolio that includes the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Championship and MLR’s Seattle Seawolves. The company has previously hosted one-time events in the Seattle area, including the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game, Jamal Crawford’s summer Pro-Am in 2014 and USA Basketball women’s national team training camps in 2012 and 2018.
###