Willamette Valley Jaguars Champion Community Growth With Bold Vision From Owner Marion Clark

Under the leadership of Marion Clark, the Willamette Valley Jaguars are redefining what it means to be a professional sports franchise. Competing in The Basketball League (TBL), the Jaguars are not only providing high-level basketball to Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley but also spearheading a community-centered mission aimed at regional economic development and social impact. Clark, recognized as both the youngest professional basketball team owner and the youngest Black team owner in the United States, is steering the franchise with a strategy that places people and progress at the forefront.

The Willamette Valley Jaguars have emerged as a rising force in TBL, a nationwide professional league that serves as a feeder system for higher-tier opportunities, including the NBA G-League. However, what sets this team apart from others is its deep-rooted commitment to the region it calls home. With a focus on accessible sports entertainment and community engagement, the organization is carving out a unique identity that transcends wins and losses.

At the core of Clark’s vision is a large-scale infrastructure project: the development of a state-of-the-art basketball stadium and a downtown outlet mall in Albany, Oregon. Designed to spark long-term economic growth and serve as a central gathering space for residents and tourists alike, the proposed project represents a strategic investment in both sports and regional revitalization. The stadium would serve as the official home for the Jaguars and a multipurpose venue for local events, while the adjacent retail space would bring in new business opportunities and jobs.

Clark’s background shapes much of his approach. Raised in Compton and Moreno Valley, California, he brings personal experience to the challenges and opportunities that underserved communities face. That perspective informs the Jaguars’ mission of inclusion, mentorship, and localized support. By anchoring the franchise in the community and using basketball as a platform, Clark is working to create sustainable outcomes that reach beyond athletic competition.

Through Jaguars For Change, the team’s nonprofit initiative, the organization leads a variety of civic programs focused on mentorship, educational development, and neighborhood engagement. These efforts reflect an understanding that meaningful change requires both presence and partnership. The team regularly participates in community events, offers outreach to youth programs, and collaborates with local leaders to ensure the franchise remains integrated with the needs of the area it serves.

“Our goal is to use sports as a connector—to bring people together and provide opportunities where they’re needed most,” said Marion Clark, Owner of the Willamette Valley Jaguars and Executive Director of Jaguars For Change. “By investing in the community and building something lasting, we’re creating more than just a team—we’re creating a movement.”

The Jaguars offer a professional-level basketball experience designed to be affordable and welcoming for families and fans of all ages. With a clear focus on accessibility and community engagement, the franchise is building a loyal following in Oregon while contributing to the broader momentum of TBL. The league’s mission aligns closely with the values held by Clark and his team, emphasizing opportunity, development, and community connection.

As the Jaguars continue to grow their presence both on and off the court, Clark is seeking strategic partnerships and investment to move forward with the stadium and retail development project in Albany. This initiative is intended to serve as a keystone for long-term economic development in the region, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and generating new revenue streams.

Potential investors and sponsors are being invited to join a project that blends sports, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility. With a clearly articulated vision and a track record of community engagement, the Jaguars represent a unique platform for those seeking to align with values of equity, innovation, and regional development.

Clark’s leadership has earned attention within sports and entrepreneurial circles, not only for his groundbreaking role as a young Black team owner but also for his commitment to transforming that position into a broader vehicle for change. By connecting sport to social impact, Clark is charting a course that challenges conventional boundaries and elevates the role of professional teams as community stakeholders.

As the franchise continues its journey in TBL, the Willamette Valley Jaguars are poised to become a model for how sports organizations can influence their environment through intentional planning, inclusive leadership, and a commitment to the communities they represent.

Supporters, collaborators, and interested sponsors are encouraged to follow the progress of the team and explore opportunities to be part of a vision rooted in empowerment, excellence, and economic growth.

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Marion Clark Feature – LA Weekly