California Storm

Storm owner Jerry Zanelli has run a grass-roots operation for 18 years. While he would like to see more spectators at his team's games, Zanelli doesn't mind reaching into his pocket to support what amounts to an expensive hobby for the Sacramento lobbyist.

Although the Storm ranks as one of the best women's club teams in the world, Zanelli doles out transportation money to his players and directs them to a nearby restaurant for a postgame meal just as a recreation coach might.

"I spend about $50,000 a year, but being the owner and coach helps," Zanelli says. "Whether I have a winning or losing record, I won't fire myself."