Minnesota’s already stacked lineup of women’s sports is about to get even deeper. Major League Volleyball (MLV)—the leading professional women’s volleyball league in the United States—has officially announced that Minnesota will join its roster of franchise markets beginning in 2027. The expansion brings the league to 11 teams and plants its newest squad right in the heart of one of the country’s most passionate volleyball regions.
The forthcoming team, temporarily referred to as MLV Minnesota, will be operated and majority owned by Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE)—the parent organization behind the Minnesota Wild, the Iowa Wild, and the management group for St. Paul’s Grand Casino Arena, where the new team will play its home matches.
“Volleyball culture here is electric and continues to grow,” said Craig Leipold, majority owner of MSE, in a recent release. “Minnesota deserves a world-class professional team, and fans deserve the chance to watch the best players in the world compete.”
Photo by Regina Medina
A New Era for Pro Volleyball in the Twin Cities
The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for women’s sports in the state. Between thriving fan bases for the Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota Frost, and Minnesota Aurora FC, plus consistently top-five national attendance for Gopher volleyball, Minnesota has established itself as a powerhouse market for women’s athletics.
MLV Minnesota’s ownership group includes several recognizable local names:
- Tim Connelly, President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves
- Matt Mithun, part-owner of Minnesota United FC
- Cara Mulder, owner of Prinsbank
- Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen, co-founders of Anytime Fitness
Their investment signals the growing momentum behind women’s pro sports—and volleyball’s fast-rising national profile.
“We’re proud to help bring professional volleyball to Minnesota,” Mithun added. “The combination of strong athletes, a supportive fan community, and local ownership makes this the perfect place to launch.”
Why Minnesota Matters
According to league leadership, Minnesota checks all the boxes for an expansion team:
- A deep grassroots and collegiate volleyball pipeline
- High community engagement
- A top-20 media market (Minneapolis–St. Paul ranks No. 16 nationally)
- Premier facilities like the newly renamed Grand Casino Arena
“Expanding to Minnesota is a milestone moment for Major League Volleyball,” said Scott Gorsline, co-chair of the MLV Board of Directors, also in a recent release. “The Twin Cities embody everything we look for in a franchise market.”
Minnesota will join fellow 2027 expansion teams in Northern California and Washington, D.C.
A Growing National Footprint
MLV is currently the longest-running professional women’s volleyball league in the U.S., aligning with USA Volleyball and maintaining a strong Olympic development focus. With teams already playing in cities like Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando, and San Diego, the league is on a trajectory aimed at stability, visibility, and global competitiveness.
Minnesota’s team name, colors, and branding will be revealed in 2026.
What’s Next
Fans eager to get in early can place season-ticket deposits and follow updates at mlvminnesota.com and on all major social platforms.
Minnesota’s longstanding enthusiasm for volleyball—from packed high-school courts to nationally ranked college crowds—sets the stage for an exciting chapter. And come 2027, a new team will give the state yet another reason to show up, cheer loud, and continue leading the charge in women’s sports.
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