LA THC Secures National Championship, Sparks Debate on Future of US Handball
Los Angeles, CA – LA THC defeated the New york Athletic Club (NYAC) 31-29 to win the 2024 USA Team Handball National Championship, marking a notable moment for the club and raising questions about the growth of professional handball in the United States. The victory, fueled by a roster including retired European handball professionals, has ignited discussion regarding the pathway to growth for the sport within the US landscape.
Unlike european handball structures, the US lacks a professional league with promotion and relegation. Currently, clubs like LA THC and NYAC cannot organically ascend to a professional level comparable to established US sports franchises like the LA Lakers or New York Knicks. The most viable path for expansion currently rests on the potential establishment of a semi-professional league, such as one proposed by Pro Handball USA, and subsequent invitation for existing clubs to participate.
LA THC has recently benefited from considerable fundraising,exceeding $100,000 through a GoFundMe campaign intended to support athletes of all ages and skill levels. Questions have been raised regarding the allocation of these funds, specifically the proportion dedicated to travel and lodging for experienced players versus investment in youth, junior, and women’s programs. A proposal has been made to shift focus towards developing a women’s program, potentially positioning LA THC to contribute considerably to the 2028 US Olympic Team.
Some observers suggest the men’s team’s success serves as a promotional vehicle to generate interest and funding for broader handball development initiatives. While skepticism remains regarding the ability to capture a wider American audience,the championship win has undoubtedly drawn attention to the sport and LA THC’s efforts.
