In an era of increasingly globalized sports investments and the search for new high-potential markets, NBA investors are turning their attention to… women's volleyball. The DeVos family, owner of theOrlando Magic, as well as Vivek Ranadivé (Sacramento Kings, where Aleksandar Vezenkov played), are among the key figures behind the new large-scale merger in American professional volleyball – between the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball (MLV). As early as January 16, 2025, USA Volleyball published an official announcement: "Major League Volleyball (MLV) will launch in January 2026, backed by $100 million from investors such as Vivek Ranadivé, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and Danny White.", but now things are already in the final stretch.
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The official announcement of a merger between PVF and MLV is expected, forming a new professional league – MLV (Major League Volleyball), which will launch in 2026. The deal includes investments worth $40 million, led precisely by DeVos, who, in addition to owning an NBA franchise, also own the volleyball teamGrand Rapids Rise– a participant in the former PVF.
Among other high-profile investors are:
Vivek Ranadivé, owner of theSacramento Kings
Kerri Walsh Jennings, three-time Olympic beach volleyball champion
Performer Jason Derulo, who even congratulated Hristina Vuchkova on her first title with Omaha in 2024
and former NFL quarterback Danny White
The new unified league is already valued at over $325 million, which is unprecedented for women's volleyball in the USA.
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| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of teams | 8 |
| Total matches | 116 |
| Total spectators | 430 000+ |
| Average attendance | ≈ 3,707 per match |
| Champion | Orlando Valkyries |
Although PVF only existed for two seasons (2024 and 2025), viewer interest and market behavior show that interest in women's volleyball in the USA goes beyond niche frameworks and approaches mainstream culture.
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The clearest example of the market potential of women's volleyball is the Omaha Supernovas – the team with an average attendance of 10,925 spectators at home matches. They broke records by attracting 13,486 fans in the opening match againstAtlanta Vibe.
There is also Bulgarian participation here - Hristina Vuchkova played in PVF and was a key figure for the Omaha Supernovas during the league's first season in 2024, when they finished in first place.
In 2023, the university women's team of Nebraska also set a world record for attendance at a volleyball match –92 003 spectators at the Cornhuskers football stadium.
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The newly formed MLV will include:
10 teams in 2026
12 teams in 2027with new markets inWashingtonandNorthern California
Goal:16 teams by 2028
Structure withindependent owners, similar to the NBA and NFL
The league's free agency window opens onWednesday, August 6, and Bank of America will play a leading role in future expansion.
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PVF and MLV are not alone on the scene. Competition in women's volleyball in the USA is intensifying with:
LOVB Pro \u2013 League One Volleyball's league, launched in 2025 with $100 million in funding from names like Kevin Durant, Candace Parker, and Billie Jean King. Former national team captain Miroslava Paskova will also play here this year.
AU Pro Volleyball Championship \u2013 existing since 2021, with a short season and a unique team format
Women's Volleyball in the USA is Powered by a Strong Youth Base:
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Growth in Registered Girls (2013–2024) | +40% |
| Popularity in High Schools | 2nd most popular sport after track and field |
This creates a huge market of fans, young players, and families who now view women's volleyball not as an addition, but as a main event.
The investment of NBA figures in women's volleyball shows how seriously the industry views the future of this sport. With stable viewership, established cities like Omaha, and an active youth base, volleyball in the USA is rising to a new level – as a product, business, and cultural phenomenon.
MLV promises not only the development of the professional structure but also a real revolution in the way women's volleyball is perceived by media, fans, and investors.
