Major League Volleyball Rises as Pro Volleyball Federation Unifies for Growth
A new era is dawning for professional women’s volleyball in the United States.The Frisco-based Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball (MLV) have announced plans to unite under the MLV brand, a move hailed as “a pivotal moment” for the sport.
Did you know? – The Pro Volleyball Federation launched in 2022 with teams in Frisco, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio.the league quickly expanded, adding an Atlanta team and its first female owner in early 2023.
The PVF, which launched in 2022 with teams in Frisco, Texas, and columbus, Ohio, saw rapid expansion, adding an Atlanta team and its first female owner in February 2023. Later that year, pop star Jason Derulo made a “major equity investment” in the league, signaling growing confidence in its potential.
Pro tip: – The unification of the PVF and MLV aims to modernize the business model. This includes bringing in new team owners, refining league governance, and implementing stricter ownership standards for the league.
This unification represents a modernization of the business model, bringing in new team owners, refined league governance, and stricter ownership standards. According to MLV, the consolidation will also foster “an innovative approach to off-court player opportunities and fan engagement.”
“To see the sport continue to grow with the consolidation of these teams and their leaders elevates the excitement level to new heights,” stated a senior official from the PVF. “Our belief in the team-ownership model that we played under for the first two seasons is stronger then ever and will showcase the sport at a greater level throughout the nation.”
MLV aims to become the longest-running professional women’s volleyball league in the U.S., distinguished by its independently owned, in-market teams and a league structure mirroring those at “the pinnacle of sports.” The league is building on a strong foundation established during its first two seasons, boasting over 80 million social media impressions, nearly 1 million total engagements, and a social following exceeding 250,000. Attendance figures have surpassed 750,000 across the first two campaigns, with 45 matches broadcast nationally, including an inaugural All-Star Match on CBS that peaked at 445,000 viewers.
League Expansion on the Horizon
Play under the unified MLV banner is scheduled to begin in January, marking the league’s third season overall. The new structure and brand are designed to create a centralized,elite platform for the sport,delivering world-class competition,scalable infrastructure,national media exposure,and long-term commercial viability.
Reader question: – What do you think about the unification of the Pro volleyball Federation and Major League Volleyball? Share your thoughts on the future of professional women’s volleyball in the comments.
The 2026 team lineup will include franchises in Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando, and San Diego. Further expansion is planned for 2027, with teams slated for Washington, D.C., and Northern California. The Northern California franchise will be majority-owned by entrepreneur Vivek Ranadivé, while the Washington, D.C., team will be under the ownership of the controlling partners of D.C. United.
“I’m incredibly excited to bring MLV to Northern California,” Ranadivé said in a statement. “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.”
The league’s free agency signing period opens on August 7, signaling the start of preparations for the 2026
