FREQUENTLY

FREQUENTLYASKED QUESTIONS

  • 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.

STUDENT-ATHLETES     

What do I need to do to prepare to be drafted?

  • Work with your compliance office on campus to make sure you understand the NCAA eligibility rules and regulations as it pertains to playing professional volleyball. Bylaw, Article 12 covers amateurism and athletics eligibility. Article 12.2 covers involvement with professional teams. Article 12.3 covers the use of agents.

What happens if academically, I have not finished my degree by the time of the draft?

  • All potential draftees must be prepared to play as a professional athlete in the spring. This includes, but is not limited to, either completing your school’s degree requirements by the fall or being on track to complete them remotely in the spring. While there is no requirement to complete a college degree, it is highly encouraged to finish your education.

Who do I reach out to if I am interested in being considered as a possible drafted player by Major League Volleyball?

  • It is best if you work through your college coach in communicating with the league of your interest in being drafted. You do not have to declare for the draft, but just let the league know you are interested. Coaches can contact the Vice President, Volleyball Operations, Cecile Reynaud (cecile@provolleyball.com).  She will share your interest with league coaches.

When do I need to begin communication with the league and its teams on my interest?

  • Communication of your interest can begin at any time. Please work through your college coach.

When is the player draft currently scheduled?

  • The draft is scheduled to be held each November. Players under consideration to be drafted do not need to be in person to be drafted and do not need to declare for the draft.

Is my college eligibility in danger if I declare for the draft or am drafted?

  • All student-athletes should work with their university compliance personnel to confirm that their course of action will not jeopardize their eligibility during the season. The athletic department staff in those roles are best equipped to answer any questions. You do not need to declare for the draft.

What is the salary range for players in Major League Volleyball?

  • Compensation amounts for each player are determined by the individual teams. Teams must follow league guidelines that establish a pool of money for player salaries that can be distributed at each team's discretion. Players can elect to participate in the medical plan benefits. Players may also earn additional compensation for individual awards at the end of the season, as well as winning the league championship.
COACHING STAFF MEMBERS

What is my role in this process?

  • Make sure you are familiar with the NCAA rules concerning an athlete’s involvement with a professional league. Work with your compliance office to understand Bylaw 12 on athlete eligibility and 12.2 covering involvement with professional teams.

Who do I contact if my players are considering playing professionally?

  • Contact Vice President, Volleyball Operations, Cecile Reynaud (cecile@provolleyball.com). She will be able to answer questions and direct you to the league coaches.

Can my player be drafted if they are also considering playing internationally?

  • Any college player can be drafted by the league. If drafted, they can either sign a contract with the Major League Volleyball or choose to play outside the country for an international club. If the player has college eligibility remaining, they may choose to return to school.

What does the draft look like?

  • The draft will be conducted much like other professional team drafts. Pro Volleyball Federation held a five-round draft prior to the 2025 season, with eight teams having the opportunity to select a player in each round (40 players total). There is a time-limit for teams to draft players each round in which they pick. Draft picks as well as drafted players can be traded either before or after the selection is made. Coaches will be in touch with players and their coaches before the draft to determine an athlete’s interest in playing in the league.

What is the best way to prepare my players to be drafted?

  • Contact the league once your athlete knows they may be interested in being drafted. Help your athlete put together highlight footage and statistics for league coaches to review.  Send a copy of their college schedule, highlight footage and statistics to the league contact as early as possible so the coaches have a chance to review it and reach out to the coach and athlete.