Major League Volleyball Gets First Commissioner

Weston joins the league at a time of unprecedented growth for women's volleyball in the United States. High school participation is at an all-time high, with more girls playing volleyball than basketball in most states. This enthusiasm is mirrored in viewership, with the 2023 NCAA championship match drawing 1.7 million viewers, a 115% increase from the previous year. Major League Volleyball, formerly known as the Pro Volleyball Federation, launched its inaugural season in January 2024 with seven teams. The league's first-ever match between the Atlanta Vibe and Omaha Supernovas set a U.S. record for attendance at a women's professional volleyball match with 11,624 fans. The league offers competitive salaries, with top players earning up to $175,000 for the season, plus bonuses and benefits, making it one of the more lucrative options for female athletes in professional sports. This provides a strong domestic option for elite American players who have historically had to go overseas to continue their careers. MLV is one of three professional women's volleyball leagues in the U.S., alongside Athletes Unlimited and League One Volleyball (LOVB), indicating a new and competitive landscape for the sport professionally. MLV currently has eight teams and plans to add more in the coming seasons. Weston brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles at the NFL, Universal Music Group, and most recently as Chief Commercial Officer for USA Volleyball. A former Division I volleyball player at Georgia Tech, she brings both business acumen and a deep understanding of the sport to the new role. The original Major League Volleyball existed from 1987 to 1989, inspired by the high viewership of the 1984 Olympics. It was one of the first professional women's leagues to have televised games on ESPN but ultimately folded due to financial issues.