Photo: Andrea Mitchell and Andy Sandler (provolleyball.com)
The Columbus Fury has entered a new era following the announcement of a new ownership group, marking a significant milestone for professional volleyball in Central Ohio. The club and Major League Volleyball confirmed that Andrea Mitchell and Andy Sandler have acquired the team. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Previously, the franchise was owned by the league along with several minority investors, including members of the family of Joe Burrow, according to a team spokesperson. The acquisition represents what officials described as a “powerful new chapter” for the sport in the region.
Mitchell and Sandler, a married couple with extensive backgrounds in law, finance, and business, are expected to bring a new level of strategic direction to the organization. Under their leadership, the team is poised to strengthen operations, recruit elite global talent, and expand its partnerships throughout the community.
Mitchell is a nationally recognized financial services attorney and managing partner of Mitchell Sandler PLLC, a firm known for being majority women-owned and women-managed. She also serves on the board of Dave Inc., a publicly traded financial technology company. Sandler, an entrepreneur and attorney, is part of the ownership group of the Tampa Bay Rays and has investments in multiple minor league baseball franchises.
“Our vision is to make the Fury a permanent and respected fixture in professional sports — a team that stands for excellence, inclusion, and the power of women leading at every level,” Mitchell said in a statement.
The Columbus Fury, established in 2023 as a founding member of Major League Volleyball, has quickly positioned itself as a cornerstone of women’s athletics in Ohio. As the only active professional women’s sports franchise in the state, the team plays a unique role in both the cultural and economic landscape of the region.
League officials emphasized the importance of the new ownership in advancing the sport. Commissioner Jaime Weston noted that Mitchell and Sandler bring a combination of business leadership, investment expertise, and a strong commitment to empowering women in sports.
The announcement comes at a time when Columbus is making a broader push to elevate women’s sports. City leaders, including Andrew Ginther and First Lady Shannon Ginther, recently launched the IgniteHer Columbus initiative, aimed at positioning the city as the nation’s capital for women’s sports.
“The future of women’s sports in our city is bright, and today it was made even brighter by the addition of Andrea Mitchell as the new owner of the Columbus Fury,” Shannon Ginther said, adding that Mitchell embodies the mission of IgniteHer.
The Fury currently plays its home matches at Nationwide Arena, a venue that underscores the team’s growing visibility within the city’s sports ecosystem. However, the franchise may soon face new competition, as the Haslam Sports Group—owners of the Columbus Crew—is reportedly exploring a National Women’s Soccer League expansion team.
Despite potential competition, local leaders see the expansion of women’s sports as a positive development. Linda Logan, CEO of the Columbus Sports Commission, highlighted the city’s strong volleyball culture, from youth programs to major national tournaments, as a foundation for continued growth.
“Columbus is a volleyball city that loves the sport,” Logan said, noting the community’s long-standing support for volleyball at all levels.
A Growing Vision for the Future
With new ownership in place, the Columbus Fury is expected to build on its early success and expand its impact both on and off the court. The organization aims to elevate the visibility and popularity of women’s professional volleyball while strengthening its ties to the community.
The leadership team has emphasized long-term sustainability, player wellness, and the creation of a strong fan base as key priorities moving forward. Strategic partnerships, including those related to its use of Nationwide Arena, are also expected to play a role in the team’s development.
The acquisition reflects a broader trend of investment in women’s sports across the United States, with Columbus positioning itself as a key player in that movement. As the city continues to grow economically and culturally, initiatives like IgniteHer and the expansion of professional teams are helping to redefine its identity on a national stage.
For Columbus, the arrival of new leadership at the Fury is more than a business transaction—it is a signal of confidence in the city’s future as a center for innovation, inclusion, and opportunity in professional sports.
