The Frisco-based Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball have announced plans for a single, united league that will be branded as MLV, in what the leagues called “a pivotal moment for professional women’s volleyball.”

The PVF launched out of Frisco and Columbus, Ohio, in 2022. In Februrary 2023, the PVF got a new Atlanta team and its first female owner. In 2023, pop star Jason Derulo increased his stake in the PVF with a “major equity investment.”

The unification and modernization of the business model brings in new team owners, league governance, ownership standards, and “an innovative approach to off-court player opportunities and fan engagement,” MLV said.

“To see the sport continue to grow with the consolidation of these teams and their leaders elevates the excitement level to new heights,” Pro Volleyball Federation CEO Jen Spicher said in a statement. “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 said it 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.”

The league said it will build on its successful first two seasons that saw outstanding digital engagement, with more than 80 million social impressions, nearly 1 million total engagements, and over 250,000 social followers. Also, 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.

League expansion takes the court in January

Scheduled to begin play in January, MLV said it is an evolution of PVF and the upcoming campaign will be recorded as the league’s third season.

The league said the new structure and brand have been established to provide a centralized, elite platform for the sport—delivering world class competition, scalable infrastructure, national media exposure, and commercial sustainability.

MLV said it will feature the following team lineup for 2026: Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando, and San Diego.

In 2027, the league currently plans to expand with two more franchises with the addition of teams in Washington, D.C. and Northern California that 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, while Washington, D.C., is owned by the controlling partners of D.C. United.

“I’m incredibly excited to bring MLV to Northern California,” Ranadivé said in a statement. “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 league said the 2026 season will begin later this week, with the opening of the free agency signing period on Aug. 7.

BofA Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor to Pro Volleyball Federation.

Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the first formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States.

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