PITTSBURGH (PTTP) — Major League Volleyball (MLV) is looking to carve out a permanent place in the U.S. sports environment.
League officials say the primary goal of the league’s creation was to provide professional opportunities domestically, rather than forcing top athletes to compete overseas in Europe or Asia.
“The opportunity wasn’t here before,” said Rob Carolla, vice president for the Major League Volleyball office. “We wanted to give players a chance to play professionally in the United States.”
The league also aims to capitalize on volleyball’s rapid growth at the youth and collegiate levels. To attract both dedicated and casual fans, MLV has implemented changes like a serve clock to maintain pace and invested in replay technology to enhance the viewing experience.
Carolla said cities like Pittsburgh could be strong candidates for future expansion due to their established sports culture and successful college programs, including the University of Pittsburgh’s volleyball team. However, expansion depends largely on securing local ownership groups.
MLV currently features eight teams, with three more set to join in 2027 in Washington, D.C., Northern California, and Minneapolis.
League leaders say the sport’s growing popularity, especially among young girls, signals long-term potential.
“Our players understand the role model they are,” Carolla said, “and that’s helping grow the game.”