Two Pro Volleyball Expansion Franchises Announced for Minnesota

(KNSI) – Minnesota is in line for not one but two professional volleyball squads starting in 2027.

Late last week, it was announced that League One Volleyball (LOVB) would be expanding to the Twin Cities. It has not been revealed yet where the team will play. Just days later, Minnesota Sports & Entertainment gave notice that it will be bringing a Major League Volleyball franchise to Grand Casino Arena. MSE already owns the Minnesota and Iowa Wild hockey teams.

MSE Majority Owner Craig Leipold says, “Minnesota has a strong and vibrant volleyball culture that continues to flourish. We can’t wait for fans to have the opportunity to watch the best volleyball players in the world compete at Grand Casino Arena.”

MLV already has an ownership group with professional experience. Dan DeVos, owner of the Grand Rapids Rise, is the chairman of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. The Rise has a local connection as last year’s roster featured a player from central Minnesota. Former ROCORI Spartan Eleanor Holthaus was signed as a free agent midseason. A new team in northern California is co-owned by the chairman of the Sacramento Kings and a minority partner of the Buffalo Bills.

There has been some speculation about whether LOVB and MLV could merge at some point in the future. Along with Athletes Unlimited, which runs in the fall, there are three pro volleyball leagues in operation, more than what you typically find in other sports.

___