New $100 Million Women's Volleyball League Set for 2026
Omaha, Nebraska, Friday, 17 January 2025.
Major League Volleyball, backed by $100 million, will launch in January 2026, featuring 10 U.S. teams including Omaha Supernovas, aiming to boost women’s sports.
Major Investors and Star Power
The ambitious venture brings together an impressive roster of founding partners, including Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, international music star Jason Derulo, and three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings [1][2]. With more than $100 million in committed funding [1][3], the league has secured substantial financial backing to support its vision. ‘Our sport deserves the best of the best,’ stated Walsh Jennings, emphasizing the league’s commitment to creating a premier platform for women athletes [1].
Strategic Market Presence
MLV’s inaugural season will feature teams across ten states, including Wisconsin, California, Minnesota, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Kansas, Ohio, and Washington [1][3]. The league has already secured a marquee franchise with the Omaha Supernovas, current Pro Volleyball Federation champions, who will transition to MLV after completing their 2025 season [4]. The Supernovas have demonstrated the market’s potential, recently setting a new attendance record with 13,486 fans at their 2025 season opener [1].
Growing Market Opportunity
The timing for MLV’s launch appears strategic, capitalizing on volleyball’s surging popularity. The sport has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with women’s volleyball athlete compensation increasing by 935% from 2021 to 2024 [2]. The 2024 Women’s NCAA Volleyball Tournament generated impressive viewership with 1.3 billion minutes watched across ESPN platforms [2]. Additionally, volleyball maintains its position as the number one high school team sport for girls in the United States [3].
Market Impact and Future Outlook
MLV will become the fourth professional women’s volleyball league in the United States [1], joining existing competitions like the Pro Volleyball Federation, League One Volleyball, and Athletes Unlimited [7]. Each franchise will operate independently while adhering to MLV’s operational standards [3]. The league aims to differentiate itself through elite competition, superior medical and training support, top-tier venues, and major broadcast partnerships [3], setting a new benchmark for professional women’s sports in America.