Major League Volleyball to Launch in the US in 2026 with $100M Funding

A new professional women’s volleyball league, Major League Volleyball (MLV), is set to launch in January 2026 with the ambitious goal of becoming the premier women’s sports league in the United States. With $100 million in committed funding, MLV is aiming to establish itself as a leading competition in the world of women’s sports, supported by high-profile investors and industry partners.

Founding Partners and Teams

MLV’s founding partners include high-profile figures from sports, entertainment, and business. Among them is Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, who will lead the Sacramento-based MLV team. Additionally, singer Jason Derulo and three-time Olympic beach volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings join the ranks as founding partners, with Jennings also playing a key role in advocating for the league’s player-focused mission. Another notable figure is Danny White, founder of the Omaha Supernovas, the first confirmed franchise for MLV.

The Omaha Supernovas, who currently play in the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), will continue their association with the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, after their departure from PVF. The team, which recently set a new attendance record for a professional volleyball match in the US with 13,486 fans, will serve as a flagship for MLV’s debut season. The Supernovas’ decision to switch leagues suggests a promising future for MLV, with further teams to be based across the US in states like California, Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee, among others.

MLV’s Vision and Ambition

MLV is determined to position itself as the best professional women’s volleyball league in the US. The league aims to create a professional pathway for players and elevate the sport to the highest level by providing exceptional opportunities both on and off the court. Kerri Walsh Jennings, one of the league’s prominent backers, emphasized the importance of providing a stage that mirrors the top sports, media, and entertainment platforms. “Our sport deserves the best of the best,” she said. “Our women are kick-ass individuals and athletes, and it is long overdue for there to be a product that resembles the biggest and brightest sports, media, and entertainment platforms on the planet.”

With more than $100 million in backing, MLV’s structure will see each team operate independently, following league standards and playbooks. This allows for a diverse ownership model while ensuring uniformity and professional quality across the league.

Volleyball’s Surge in Popularity

The decision to launch MLV comes at a time when volleyball is experiencing unprecedented growth in the US. Last August, a world-record crowd of 92,003 fans attended a college volleyball match between Nebraska and Omaha, while the 2024 NCAA championship game drew 1.7 million viewers on ABC, the largest ever for a women’s college volleyball game. These milestones demonstrate the sport’s rise in popularity, particularly among women and youth athletes, creating a fertile ground for professional leagues like MLV.

Volleyball has also garnered increased attention with growing TV ratings and an expanding fan base, contributing to the formation of multiple professional leagues. Along with MLV, the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and League One Volleyball (LOVB) are also competing to claim the top spot in women’s professional volleyball in the US.

A Competitive Landscape

While the rise of multiple leagues is a positive sign for the sport, it also presents challenges. MLV’s entry into an already competitive market, with PVF and LOVB backing large investments, could lead to further fragmentation of the professional volleyball scene. MLV acknowledges that the proliferation of competing leagues “is not ideal long term for this sport,” but it remains focused on forging its own path and creating a lasting legacy.

The Supernovas’ departure from PVF in favor of MLV suggests they believe the new league holds greater promise in terms of growth, infrastructure, and player opportunities. However, the competition between the existing leagues raises questions about sustainability, with each vying for viewership, sponsorships, and talent.

The Road Ahead

While MLV’s future remains uncertain in the short term, its investment in high-profile partners and its vision for women’s volleyball could shape the future of the sport in the US. As it prepares to launch in 2026, the league will need to secure the loyalty of players, fans, and sponsors while carving out its niche in a rapidly growing market. With a focus on high-quality competition and player development, MLV aims to become a cornerstone of women’s sports in the US, offering a professional pathway for volleyball players to shine on the global stage.

The volleyball community, fans, and players alike will be watching closely to see whether MLV can navigate the complex landscape of competing leagues and become the dominant force it aspires to be.

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