The new unified structure is designed to accelerate the sport’s growth through independent ownership, national exposure and long-term sustainability.
The US Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball have announced a merger to form a single unified competition under the new brand MLV.
The consolidation, announced on August 5, is a significant development for a sport that has seen rapid growth in viewership, digital engagement and grassroots participation in recent years.
Scheduled to begin play in January 2026, MLV will become the only professional women’s volleyball league in the US to operate with independently owned teams in local markets. The newly unified league will retain PVF’s history and framework, branding the upcoming campaign as its third official season.
“This is a major step in the evolution of pro women’s volleyball here in the United States,” said Dan DeVos, CEO and owner of the Grand Rapids Rise. “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.”
According to the announcement, MLV will seek to build on the momentum of PVF’s first two seasons, which attracted more than 750,000 fans in attendance, delivered 45 nationally televised matches, and generated over 80 million social impressions. A standout moment came with the inaugural All-Star Match, which drew a peak television audience of 445,000 on CBS.
The 2026 lineup will feature teams in Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando and San Diego. The league will expand in 2027 with new franchises in Washington DC, owned by the controlling partners of Major League Soccer’s D.C. United, and Northern California, majority owned by Sacramento Kings owner and entrepreneur Vivek Ranadivé.
“I’m incredibly excited to bring MLV to Northern California,” said Ranadivé. “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.”
A new league rises
The consolidation brings to an end a potentially fragmented era of overlapping leagues, providing a single commercial and sporting pathway for athletes and investors alike. The structure, the league said, is designed to mirror major American professional sports with a centralised governance model, national media visibility and a commitment to long-term financial viability.
Free agency for the 2026 season will open on August 7, at 5pm ET, with teams able to begin roster construction ahead of a full schedule announcement expected later this autumn. Dallas, one of the new franchises, will be fully operational and participate in the upcoming player signings.
Some legacy franchises from PVF, including the Vegas Thrill, are not yet confirmed as part of the 2026 campaign. The league said that Vegas is actively seeking new ownership and, if successful, could return to competition in future seasons.
Jen Spicher, CEO of Pro Volleyball Federation, said the team-ownership model had proved successful during the league’s early years. “To see the sport continue to grow with the consolidation of these teams and their leaders elevates the excitement level to new heights,” she said.
The announcement is also noteworthy in its financial positioning. BofA Securities acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Pro Volleyball Federation, signalling increasing institutional interest in professional women’s volleyball as an investable sports property.
For the Northern California and Washington DC franchises, 2026 will be used as a year of market development through special events, matches and local engagement initiatives. Both teams will officially join the competition in 2027.
“This is a great example of collective bigger picture thinking,” said Benjamin Priest, governing co-owner of the Omaha Supernovas. “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.”
With continued alignment to USA Volleyball and a stated commitment to Olympic development, MLV now aims to position itself as the primary pipeline between elite domestic competition and international play.
While questions remain regarding additional expansion, player contracts and long-term media rights, the launch of MLV represents the most structured attempt yet to establish women’s volleyball as a major professional sport in the US.
As Ranadivé noted, the goal is not just a new league, but a reimagined fan experience. “We have a unique opportunity to build something special… and create unforgettable fan experiences.”
