When the Nebraska Huskers showed the world the popularity of volleyball after filling Memorial Stadium (Lincoln) with 92,003 fans, women’s pro volleyball was barely a blip on the radar. While the innovative Athletes Unlimited Pro League did exist, the rule set was quite different from traditional volleyball games. So it may be difficult to fathom that a little over a year since that record-breaking turnout on August 30, 2023, there are not one but two more pro leagues in the mix.

However, this only seems to be the beginning. Despite the stellar success of the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF) and League One Volleyball (LOVB) hoping to gain a foothold, plans for yet another league are already underway. If you find that news surprising, you’re not alone, as the announcement of Major League Volleyball has left fans scratching their heads.

“Major League Volleyball (MLV) will start a new professional league starting in 2026,” presenter Emily Ehman announced on X. The league has already secured more than $100 million in funding and is set to have teams from Wisconsin, California, Minnesota, Indiana, and many others. Private owners of the franchises include names like pop star Jason Derulo and the owner of Sacramento Kings, Vivek Ranadivé. However, not everyone is excited. “Once again, I will say: There are not two NBAs, MLBs, WNBAs, etc. Sure some of those have minor leagues but that is it. We haven’t even seen if two can sustain against one another yet. I’m disappointed in this news.” one fan commented.

Besides pointing out how there is a single major and a handful of minor leagues in other sports like basketball, the fan speculated on the crucial question of sustainability. While LOVB is trying to establish a foothold, it’s not yet found that footing. In fact, the league has also run into growing pains, like broadcast issues, including delays.

Meanwhile, the PVF, in its second season, has proven to be the more popular league so far. However, there was another detail about the MLV which also worried fans. Emily Ehman reported the MLV will have “at least 10 franchises which will include the @OmahaSupernovas,” in the post. This could mean that the Supernovas will no longer be part of the PVF come 2026.

However, The Omaha Supernovas have already proven themselves to be the most popular PFV team. On January 10, during their season debut at the CHI Health Center arena, the Novas set a new pro volleyball attendance record at 13,486 spectators. Such a promising team switching leagues fields the speculation in the comments.

Volleyball fans only made a common demand

With the Supernovas set to switch leagues in 2026, one fan raised the crucial point of a divided fan base. “We need 1 league. Not multiple leagues. Multiple leagues are not sustainable and it divides the fan’s interest. We want to see ALL the players in 1 place. They should all merge into 1,” commented the netizen, demanding a single pro league. Yet, why have the Supernovas decided to switch to MLV?

Well, that’s because Danny White, the founder of the Supernovas, is also an MLV founding partner. The MLV press release also lists White’s team as the founding franchise for the league. Curiously, the MLV also plans to establish a grassroots-level program to help young volleyball players realize their talent. Yet, such a move means that MLV will be competing with the LOVB at every level.

Assisting young players to find their stride and ultimately providing them with a platform to play is a crucial part of LOVB’s agenda. “I’m firmly in the ‘we need one league’ camp.” the X-user wrote, agreeing with most volleyball fans. “Compare the @OmahaSupernovas opening night to that of LOVB. That alone shows what two leagues in one city does.” added the fan.

While the inaugural LOVB match between Atlanta and Salt Lake saw 3,239 people attend the game, it could be difficult for LOVB to beat the 13,486 mark. Meanwhile, another fan discussed the consequences of having another $100 million pro league in the mix. With exceptional volleyball players such as Lexi Rodriguez, Madisen Skinner, Leketor Member-Meneh, and Justine Wong-Orantes and many more already signed with either LOVB or PVF, MLV may have a hard time attracting top talent.

“Let’s just hope we end up with one league instead of zero in a few years. Otherwise, it’s back on the road for our young ladies…” commented the volleyball enthusiast. Professional volleyball in the US was a dearly won victory, a victory that brought joy to fans and players alike, and the thought of losing it all is understandably difficult to digest. While the fan cited a worst-case scenario, another raised concerns already plaguing the viewers. “Lots of money behind this new venture. I just hope they are going to be what they are promoting,” wrote the fan.

“Lots of hiccups from both leagues regarding how to watch i.e. go here, go there, has been exhausting as a fan,” the user explained. With MLV already raising over $100 million, with the possibility of more to come, the fan hopes for a smooth experience when MLV launches in 2026. Yet, despite the speculation and the demand for a single league, only time will tell the outcome of having three leagues with the same objective.