MLV Launches Premier Major League For USA Women’s Pro Volleyball

Core Insights - MLV Holdings is launching Major League Volleyball (MLV), a women's professional volleyball league, in January 2026, with over $100 million in funding and a minimum of 10 franchises [1][13][14] - The league aims to elevate women's volleyball to the status of major professional sports leagues, featuring top players and teams in premier arenas [13][14] Company Overview - MLV is backed by a diverse group of founding partners, including notable figures such as Kerri Walsh Jennings, a three-time Olympic Gold medalist, and Danny White, founder of the Omaha Supernovas [2][9][14] - The Omaha Supernovas, as the founding franchise, have set attendance records and are recognized as a leading team in professional volleyball [3][6] Market Potential - Volleyball is among the top five most popular sports globally, with over 800 million players and fans [6] - The popularity of women's volleyball is reflected in significant viewership growth, with the 2024 Women's NCAA Volleyball Tournament achieving 1.3 billion minutes watched, a 41% increase from 2023 [10] Franchise Structure - MLV will feature independently owned franchises across various states, including Wisconsin, California, and Florida, with operational standards to ensure major league quality [5][13] - The league aims to empower young women athletes and create professional pathways through established grassroots programs [5] Growth and Investment - Women's volleyball athlete compensation has seen a dramatic increase of 935% from 2021 to 2024, indicating a growing market for endorsements and sponsorships [10] - The league's launch is expected to attract significant media attention and fan engagement, with matches broadcasted on major networks [13][14]