Full Breakdown
Minnesota Welcomes Major League Volleyball Franchise in 2027
11/19/2025, 2:16:29 PM
Major League Volleyball Expansion
Major League Volleyball (MLV) has announced the addition of a new franchise in Minnesota, set to begin play in January 2027. The team will be based in St. Paul and will host its home matches at the Grand Casino Arena, which is also home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild. This expansion marks Minnesota as the 11th team in the MLV, which currently includes franchises in cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, and San Diego.
Ownership and Management
The Minnesota franchise will be majority owned and operated by Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, the same group that manages the Minnesota Wild. Craig Leipold, the majority owner and principal investor, expressed enthusiasm about the new team, stating, “Minnesota has a strong and vibrant volleyball culture that continues to flourish.” The ownership group also includes minority owners Tim Connelly, Matt Mithun, Cara Mulder, Chuck Runyon, and Dave Mortenson.
Competitive Landscape
The announcement of the MLV franchise follows closely behind the news that League One Volleyball (LOVB) will also establish a team in Minnesota, both set to debut in 2027. This dual expansion has raised questions about market competition. Scott Gorsline, owner of the Grand Rapids franchise, noted, “I have to question whether it's appropriate to put two teams in one market like this.” Despite the competition, Gorsline acknowledged that the venue would attract fans for the anticipated 12 to 14 home games per season.
Growing Interest in Women's Sports
The decision to invest in women's volleyball comes at a time when interest in women's sports is reportedly at an all-time high. Leipold highlighted the opportunity to independently sell sponsorships and tickets as a significant factor in choosing MLV over other leagues. The average attendance for MLV matches is around 4,000, with some franchises, like Omaha, reportedly averaging over 10,000 attendees per match.
Local Impact and Future Prospects
Several athletes from the University of Minnesota, including Regan Pittman and Sarah Wilhite-Parsons, are expected to play significant roles in the league. Wilhite-Parsons remarked on the excitement surrounding the new team, stating, “The future for volleyball is just so bright.” The official team name and logo are anticipated to be revealed in 2026, further building anticipation for the franchise's debut.
Official Statements
Craig Leipold emphasized the excitement surrounding the new franchise, stating, “We can’t wait for fans to have the opportunity to watch the best volleyball players in the world compete at Grand Casino Arena.” Fans interested in securing season tickets can place deposits at MLVMinnesota.com.
Conclusion
The establishment of Major League Volleyball in Minnesota represents a significant development for women's sports in the region, promising to enhance the local sports culture and provide new opportunities for athletes. As both MLV and LOVB prepare for their 2027 launches, the competitive landscape will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders alike.
