The Golden State Storm today announced a major expansion of its ownership group, marking a significant milestone in the rapid growth and commercialization of women’s tackle and flag football.

Joining existing co-owners Jake Langner, Brad Grovich, and Tony Lynn in the franchise’s ownership group and leadership team are biotech finance executive Nicole (Nikki) Keith, former KPMG Global Practice Leader Tim Zanni, 20-year CIA veteran Kevin Bae, Head of Marketing for Brita, Kenny Moore, and veteran marketing executive Chris Holdren.

The influx of capital, executive acumen, and strategic guidance reflects a pivotal moment for the Bay Area franchise as it builds on its breakout inaugural season and prepares for its 2027 run for the championship.

“Women’s tackle football is experiencing an unprecedented surge in interest, audience engagement, and commercial viability,” said Jake Langner, Co-Owner of the Golden State Storm. “By welcoming Nikki, Tim, Kevin, Kenny, and Chris to our ownership group and advisory network, we are surrounding our athletes with world-class leaders across finance, technology, community engagement, and global brand marketing. Their collective backing accelerates our goal to make the Storm a permanent sports powerhouse in the Bay Area and beyond.”

The newly expanded leadership brings distinct operational and strategic capabilities to the franchise:

  • Nicole (Nikki) Keith: A Stanford alumna and established biotech finance leader with executive experience at Genentech, Gilead, and Sana Biotechnology. Keith transitions from board member to official co-owner, bringing deep expertise in financial management, investment strategy, and sustainable scaling. Her oversight will focus on strengthening franchise operations, expanding corporate partnerships, and elevating revenue models across both the Storm’s premier Tackle team and its Starter-sponsored Flag program.
  • Tim Zanni: Bringing over 40 years of executive leadership, including 32 years at KPMG where he served as Global Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) and Silicon Valley Office Managing Partner. Zanni, a Notre Dame alumnus, is also an established leader in youth sports, serving as Founder and Director of the nationally ranked EndZone Football Club, Board Member of the Girls Flag Football Foundation, and Offensive Coordinator for Archbishop Mitty High School Flag Football.
  • Kevin Bae: A Harvard and Kellogg alumnus and 20-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Leveraging a career built on high-stakes diplomacy, cross-cultural relationship building, and navigating government agencies, Bae will drive key public-private partnerships across the SF Bay Area. Additionally, his expertise in international collaboration will be pivotal in positioning the Storm at the forefront of the global flag football ecosystem as the sport expands its international footprint leading into its Olympic debut.
  • Kenny Moore: A global marketing executive with over 18 years leading top consumer, luxury, and FMCG brands. Currently Head of Marketing, Brita at The Clorox Company and formerly Head of Marketing at LVMH/Moët Hennessy, Moore has planned and activated major sports partnerships across the NFL, Formula 1, and NASCAR, and led the launch of SirDavis Whiskey with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. He will lead strategic efforts to expand the Storm’s regional and national brand footprint.
  • Chris Holdren: A seasoned executive and marketing leader with more than two decades of experience driving customer engagement, loyalty, digital, and commercial strategy across high-profile consumer and technology brands. Most recently, he served as Co-President of Caesars Digital, where he built high-value relationships with major sports leagues, teams, and networks, including the NFL and ESPN, and previously as Chief Marketing Officer of Caesars Entertainment. Holdren has also served as Chief Marketing Officer of high-growth technology startup Handy and as Senior Vice President of Digital, Loyalty, and Partnerships at Starwood Hotels. His expertise will help accelerate the Storm’s brand expansion, audience growth, and commercial partnerships.

The announcement comes off a historic season 1 for the Golden State Storm. In its debut season, the franchise set the all-time regular season attendance record for women’s tackle football at Laney College, secured record paid and product sponsorships, and built one of the most vibrant game-day atmospheres in the sport.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the tackle team is actively building the roster with the return of key veteran players and the addition of elite incoming talent to pursue a championship run. Simultaneously, the franchise is expanding its flag football ecosystem and deepening its investment in the local youth flag football community.

“The momentum behind women’s sports, and tackle football specifically, is real, scalable, and long overdue,” added Nicole Keith. “I am thrilled to take my commitment to the Storm to the next level as a co-owner, building a sustainable financial model and world-class infrastructure for our athletes.”

“We aren’t just building a sports team; we are shaping a legacy brand that will redefine women’s sports culture for generations to come,” said Kenny Moore. “The Golden State Storm has built an incredible foundation of authenticity and fandom. I look forward to working alongside this vision-driven ownership group to scale our reach, build iconic brand partnerships, and position the Storm as a marquee cultural power in sports.”

About the Golden State Storm The Golden State Storm is the newest franchise in the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC). Competing in both tackle and flag football, the Storm is more than a team – it’s a movement dedicated to empowering women and girls through sport. Established in 2025, the Storm is rooted in equity, power, and community, and is committed to empowering the next generation of female athletes in football. To learn more, visit www.goldenstatestorm.com.

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