Pro Volleyball Federation and Major League Volleyball Unite to Form Landmark League

In a landmark move for professional sports, Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball have announced plans to merge into a single, unified league — officially branded as Major League Volleyball (MLV). The move marks a defining moment for professional women’s volleyball in the United States, setting the stage for unprecedented growth, visibility, and sustainability.

MLV will be the longest-running professional women’s volleyball league in U.S. history and the only one operating with independently owned, in-market teams. The league’s modernized structure introduces new ownership standards, enhanced governance, and an innovative approach to both player opportunities and fan engagement.

The league builds on two successful seasons that showcased the sport’s rapid growth. To date, MLV has generated more than 80 million social impressions, nearly one million total engagements, and amassed over 250,000 social followers. Live attendance surpassed 750,000 fans across its first two campaigns, while 45 nationally televised matches—including the inaugural All-Star Match, which peaked at 445,000 viewers on CBS—underscored the sport’s rising national profile.

The newly branded MLV will officially launch in January 2026, with the upcoming season recorded as its third. According to league officials, this evolution aims to establish a centralized, elite platform for women’s volleyball, delivering world-class competition, scalable infrastructure, and long-term commercial sustainability.

“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. “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.”

The 2026 MLV team lineup will include Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando, and San Diego. The league will expand in 2027 with franchises in Washington, D.C., and Northern California, giving fans in those regions a preview throughout 2026. The Northern California team is majority owned by entrepreneur Vivek Ranadivé, while the D.C. franchise is owned by the controlling partners of D.C. United.

“I’m incredibly excited to bring MLV to Northern California,” Ranadivé said. “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 2026 campaign kicks off this week with the opening of free agency on Thursday, August 7 at 5 p.m. ET, when teams will begin building rosters in pursuit of the league championship. Additional announcements—including schedules, ownership details, and special events—are expected in the coming months.

Jen Spicher, CEO of Pro Volleyball Federation, emphasized the importance of the merger: “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.”

Benjamin Priest, Governing Co-Owner of the Omaha Supernovas, echoed the sentiment: “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.”

About Major League Volleyball

Major League Volleyball, entering its third season in 2026, is the first formal professional women’s volleyball league in the United States. Built on the foundation of elite competition, cultural relevance, and commercial innovation, MLV aligns with USA Volleyball and is committed to Olympic development, providing a premier pathway from professional play to the world stage.

BofA Securities served as the exclusive financial advisor to Pro Volleyball Federation during the merger.