Golden State Storm Expands Ownership Group, Signaling Growing Investment Momentum Across the WNFC
October 8, 2026 | WNFC News
The business of women's tackle football continues to gain momentum.
The Women's National Football Conference (WNFC) celebrates the Golden State Storm's announcement of a significant ownership expansion, welcoming five accomplished executives whose experience spans finance, technology, global marketing, sports business, and corporate leadership.
Joining existing co-owners Jake Langner, Brad Grovich, and Tony Lynn are Nicole (Nikki) Keith, Tim Zanni, Kevin Bae, Kenny Moore, and Chris Holdren.
The announcement marks another important milestone for the WNFC as its clubs continue to attract experienced investors and business leaders who recognize the long-term potential of women's professional football.
A New Level of Investment and Leadership
The Storm's expanded ownership group brings an impressive collection of executive experience:
Nicole (Nikki) Keith: Biotech finance executive with leadership experience at Genentech, Gilead, and Sana Biotechnology.
Tim Zanni: Former KPMG Global Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications, bringing more than four decades of executive leadership.
Kevin Bae: Harvard and Kellogg alumnus and 20-year CIA veteran with expertise in international relationships and strategic partnerships.
Kenny Moore: Global marketing executive and current Head of Marketing for Brita at The Clorox Company, with previous leadership experience at LVMH/Moët Hennessy.
Chris Holdren: Former Co-President of Caesars Digital and Chief Marketing Officer of Caesars Entertainment, bringing extensive sports, entertainment, and digital marketing expertise.
Together, these leaders will support the Storm's ambitions to expand its commercial footprint, strengthen corporate partnerships, grow its fan base, and invest in athlete development.
Building on a Record-Setting Debut
The Golden State Storm entered the WNFC in 2026 and quickly established itself as an emerging force in the Bay Area sports market. During its inaugural season, the club set a women's tackle football regular-season attendance record at Laney College, secured significant sponsorship partnerships, and created an energetic game-day experience.
Now, with an expanded ownership group, the Storm is positioning itself for its next phase of growth, both on the field and throughout the Bay Area community.
A Bigger Story for Women's Football
Across the WNFC, the growth of team ownership groups represents an important evolution in women's professional tackle football.
As audiences grow, commercial partnerships expand, and more established business leaders enter the sport, WNFC clubs are building the infrastructure necessary for long-term sustainability and scale.
The Golden State Storm's announcement is another example of that progress.
Women's tackle football is no longer simply an emerging participation opportunity. It is an increasingly compelling sports business investment.
Read the full announcement: Golden State Storm Ownership Expansion — Business Wire
Learn more: www.goldenstatestorm.com
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