Pro Volleyball Federation and MLV Form 2026 League with Expansion to 10 Teams by 2027

Women’s professional volleyball in the U.S. takes a major leap forward as Pro Volleyball Federation and Major League Volleyball announce a unified league under the MLV banner.

In a historic announcement, Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball have revealed plans to combine their organizations to create a single, unified league—MLV—set to begin play in January 2026. This move establishes MLV as the longest-running professional women’s volleyball league in the country, featuring independently owned teams across major markets and a league structure modeled after the top professional sports organizations.

Unifying for Growth and Excellence

The unification brings together new team owners, league-wide governance, robust ownership standards, and innovative off-court opportunities for athletes. It aims to provide a modernized and elite platform for world-class volleyball competition, fan engagement, and player development.

MLV will build on impressive early momentum: it has already accumulated more than 80 million social media impressions and nearly one million engagements, plus attracted over 250,000 followers. The league’s first two seasons drew more than 750,000 fans in attendance and 45 nationally televised matches, highlighted by an inaugural All-Star Match watched by a peak audience of 445,000 on CBS.

Dan DeVos, CEO/Owner, Grand Rapids Rise said, “This is a major step in the evolution of pro women’s volleyball here in the United States. Our love and dedication for this sport has been our foundation, and this next phase will be represented by a unified, professionally governed league with the scale and operational strength to match the ambitions of the sport. We’re delighted for what’s to come.”

League Structure and Expansion

MLV‘s league structure will feature independently owned, in-market teams to foster strong local connections and sustainable growth. The league lineup for 2026 includes teams in Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando, and San Diego.

Looking ahead, MLV will expand in 2027 with new franchises in Washington DC—owned by the controlling partners of D.C. United—and Northern California, led by entrepreneur Vivek Ranadivé. Both will use the 2026 season to introduce and grow their local fan bases.

Vivek Ranadivé, Owner, Northern California MLV Team said, “I’m incredibly excited to bring MLV to Northern California. Women’s volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with fan interest and viewership at an all-time high. We have a unique opportunity to build something special, elevate these phenomenal athletes, and create unforgettable fan experiences.”

Setting a New Standard

MLV aims to deliver a centralized, elite platform with scalable infrastructure, national media exposure, and a sustainable business model. The 2026 season, recognized as the league’s third official campaign, will kick off with the free agency signing period on August 7 at 5 pm ET, as teams begin assembling championship rosters.

Jen Spicher, Pro Volleyball Federation CEO said, “To see the sport continue to grow with the consolidation of these teams and their leaders elevates the excitement level to new heights. Our belief in the team-ownership model that we played under for the first two seasons is stronger than ever and will showcase the sport at a greater level throughout the nation.”

Further announcements—including team ownership, schedules, and special events—will follow in the coming weeks.

Vision and Collective Leadership

MLV’s unification brings together respected business leaders and experienced sports executives to guide the league’s growth and sustainability.

Benjamin Priest, Governing Co-Owner of Omaha Supernovas said, “Bringing together a group of powerful visionaries and business leaders is no simple task – and for pro women’s volleyball this is a great example of collective bigger picture thinking. Beyond excited for what is to come.”

BofA Securities served as the exclusive financial advisor to the Pro Volleyball Federation for the unification process.