SACRAMENTO – In a landmark move for the sport, Pro Volleyball Federation 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.
The unification and modernization of the business model will bring new team owners, league governance, ownership standards, and an innovative approach to off-court player opportunities and fan engagement.
MLV will feature the following team lineup for 2026: Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando, and San Diego.
In 2027, the league is slated to expand with two more franchises, with the addition of teams in Washington, D.C., and Northern California. These teams will use 2026 to introduce fans to the league in advance of their inaugural seasons.
The Northern California team is majority-owned by entrepreneur Vivek Ranadivé, and DC is owned by the controlling partners of D.C. United.
“To see the sport continue to grow with the consolidation of these teams and their leaders elevates the excitement level to new heights,” said Jen Spicher, Pro Volleyball Federation’s chief executive officer.
“Our belief in the team-ownership model that we played under for the first two seasons is stronger than ever and will showcase the sport at a greater level throughout the nation.”
MLV will be the longest-running professional women’s volleyball league and the only one operating with independently owned teams in-market, alongside a league structure built to resemble those at the pinnacle of sports. It will build on its first two seasons, which saw digital engagement of more than 80 million social impressions, nearly one million total engagements, and over 250,000 social followers.
In addition, attendance has reached more than 750,000 over the first two campaigns, with 45 nationally-televised matches – including an inaugural All-Star Match that drew a peak viewership of 445,000 on CBS network television.
Scheduled to begin play in January 2026, MLV is an evolution of PVF, and the upcoming campaign will be recorded as the league’s third season. The new structure and brand have been established to provide a centralized, elite platform for the sport, delivering world-class competition. It represents a step forward for women’s pro volleyball, intending to elevate the sport among America’s major leagues.
The 2026 season will start with the opening of the free agency signing period on Thursday, Aug. 7. At that time, teams will begin to construct their rosters in the hopes of capturing the MLV Championship.
“I’m incredibly excited to bring MLV to Northern California,” said Ranadivé. “Women’s volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with fan interest and viewership at an all-time high. We have a unique opportunity to build something special, elevate these phenomenal athletes, and create unforgettable fan experiences.”
The San Diego Mojo women’s professional volleyball team is a founding member of Major League Volleyball. The team is owned by longtime San Diegan and UC San Diego alum Gary E. Jacobs, a co-founder and chairman of the board of the Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High Charter School and managing director of Jacobs Investment Company.
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