SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Forge will hold the third overall selection in the 2026 Major League Volleyball Draft in November. Minnesota’s draft position was determined Monday through a lottery featuring all five expansion franchises. The Vegas Thrill won the lottery and will select first overall.
“This is an exciting opportunity to add talented players who will help shape the future of our club in Minnesota,” said Forge General Manager and Head Coach Pedro Mendes. “Our coaching staff has put in a tremendous amount of work throughout the summer to identify the right players to build a strong foundation for this franchise. A key part of that process was evaluating the college ranks and finding players who align with our style of play, culture, and long-term vision. This is a deep draft class, and I’m confident we’ll add quality players who will complement the core group we already have in place.”
The first two rounds of the 2026 MLV Draft were determined by separate lotteries. Minnesota was awarded the second pick of the second round and will hold two picks in the draft.
“We want to be highly competitive in our first season in Major League Volleyball, and a large part of that is assembling a top-notch roster,” said Forge Team President Michelle Haines. “I have the utmost confidence in Pedro Mendes and his staff to identify those future stars that will help us achieve that goal.”
The 2026 Major League Volleyball Draft will be held on November 23, 2026.
About Minnesota Forge
Minnesota Forge is Minnesota’s professional women’s volleyball team and a member of Major League Volleyball. Formerly known as MLV Minnesota during the franchise’s development, the team will begin its inaugural season at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul in January 2027. Owned by Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, the franchise is being built to present elite professional volleyball, expand opportunities for women athletes and create a lasting connection with Minnesota’s statewide volleyball community. For more information about Minnesota Forge, visit MinnesotaForge.com or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.
About Grand Casino Arena
Regarded as one of the world’s premier arenas, Grand Casino Arena is a unique, multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Saint Paul. The arena hosts more than 150 events annually and welcomes approximately 1.5 million guests each year. Grand Casino Arena is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences while serving as a model for sustainable operations, earning recognition from multiple international organizations for its leadership in sustainability. The arena is owned by the City of Saint Paul and managed by Saint Paul Arena Company, an affiliate of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, parent company of the Minnesota Wild. For more information, visit grandcasinoarena.com or follow @grandcasinoarena.
About Minnesota Sports & Entertainment
Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is a regional sports and entertainment leader that includes the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League, a new Major League Volleyball expansion team that will begin play in 2027, 317 on Rice Park, and the facility management of Grand Casino Arena, TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and the Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
About Major League Volleyball
Major League Volleyball (MLV) is the premier professional volleyball league in the
United States, designed to provide the sport and its athletes with the major league platform they deserve. Founded on a player-first philosophy, MLV combines elite competition, significant investment in athlete development, experienced professional sports ownership, and a commitment to the long-term growth of volleyball across the country. As the league enters its fourth season in 2027, MLV has expanded to 12 teams from coast-to-coast in some of the top media markets in the nation. It will continue to create top-level, lasting opportunities and memories for players, coaches, and local communities while leading the way in solidifying the future of professional volleyball in North America. For more information, visit MLVB.com and follow the league on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube