MLV: A New Unified League

In a landmark move for the sport, Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball have announced plans for a single, united league poised to elevate professional women’s volleyball in the United States. The unified league will be branded as MLV.

This is an exciting moment for professional women’s volleyball. The unification and modernization of the business model brings in new team owners, league governance, ownership standards and an innovative approach to off-court player opportunities and fan engagement.

  • Expansion Teams

    MLV has secured three expansion teams in the Top 20 DMAs in America for the 2027 season. New franchises include Washington DC, Northern California, and St. Paul, Minnesota.

FAQs

  • Bringing together these parties provides the greatest opportunity to continue growing the sport of volleyball in the United States - while offering the best platform for these amazing athletes.

  • As with any significant business opportunity, there are many facets that must be collaborated on to be successful. The leadership involved wanted to make sure to get it done right - not just quickly.

  • Yes! The Omaha Supernovas will continue to be part of the league moving forward and face some of the same rivals, along with new ones, that NovasNation has grown to expect.

  • The Vegas Thrill are currently soliciting new owners but have not been able to finalize the specifics prior to this announcement. The Thrill have been an outstanding charter member of Pro Volleyball Federation and, should a new ownership group be secured, would have the opportunity to continue playing professional volleyball at the highest level.

  • The free agency signing period will begin on Thursday, August 7 at 5 pm ET.

  • Yes! Dallas will be part of the league as a fully operational franchise. In addition to having the ability to sign players beginning on Thursday, the team will have several more exciting announcements coming in the near future.

  • Now that the team lineup has been announced, the league will begin working on the schedule for 2026 in conjunction with the teams and their venues. The exact schedule, including number of matches and start dates, can be expected in late September or October.

  • Both will be invested and involved in league governance and are confirmed as MLV teams that will compete on the court in 2027. During the actual upcoming season, both markets will look to host events & matches to engage their local fan bases and set the stage for competition by their teams in ’27.

  • While we expect this to be the full MLV lineup for 2026, professional volleyball continues to grow and interest is at an all-time high.  There are many great markets for volleyball around the nation and the league could potentially welcome more teams should ownership groups fit what we believe is our successful model.

  • Walsh Jennings is an outstanding advocate for the sport and an announcement regarding any team ownership involvement or advisory roles she may fulfill will be made in the future.

  • Plenty! In addition to the schedule, fans can expect to see news on governance and structure, rebranding of various assets (digital, uniforms and more) along with further definitive plans on the future of MLV moving forward.