Pro women's volleyball team coming to northern California
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Pro women's volleyball is gaining steam in the U.S. Photo: Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images
We got Bay FC in 2023 and the Golden State Valkyries in 2024. In two more years, northern California will add another pro women's sports team to its roster — this time, in volleyball.
Why it matters: As viewership and attendance for women's sporting events skyrocket, a growing number of professional women's leagues are rapidly adding teams across the country.
Driving the news: This week, the Pro Volleyball Federation announced a league restructuring and rebranding to become Major League Volleyball (MLV).
- It will start with eight teams and expand with teams in Washington, D.C., and northern California in 2027.
- "Women's volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country," entrepreneur Vivek Ranadivé, majority owner of the northern California team, said in a press release. "We have a unique opportunity to build something special."
Caveat: MLV spokesperson Rob Carolla told Axios the team has not yet confirmed its new home location.
- Ranadivé is the owner of the Sacramento Kings, but he did serve as co-owner and vice chair of the Golden State Warriors from 2010 to 2013, so it might come down to a Bay Area face-off against California's capital.
The big picture: Dozens of women's pro teams have played inaugural seasons over the past two years as new leagues for soccer, hockey, rugby and lacrosse launch.
- There is also momentum for growing the Athletes Unlimited Softball League and the upcoming Women's Pro Baseball League, which is having tryouts this month to launch six teams predominantly from the northeast U.S.
- The largest women's leagues in North America, the WNBA and NWSL, are also expanding.
The bottom line: If the fans keep showing up, women's sports will keep growing.