Major League Volleyball Appoints First Commissioner
Major League Volleyball has named Jaime Weston as its first-ever Commissioner. The appointment marks a pivotal moment for the third-year league as it aims to accelerate the growth of professional women's volleyball in the United States.
Weston brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of sports and entertainment, having previously served as a marketing executive for over 15 years at the NFL and as the chief commercial officer for USA Volleyball. Her background also includes roles as the EVP of Global Consumer Marketing at Universal Music Group. Major League Volleyball is entering its third season, a continuation of the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) which began in 2024. The league recently unified with the planned Major League Volleyball, consolidating the professional landscape. The combined entity is valued at over $325 million. The league currently consists of eight teams: Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Omaha Supernovas, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo, Indy Ignite, and the Dallas Pulse. Expansion is already planned, with teams in Minnesota, Sacramento, and Washington D.C. set to join in 2027. Ownership groups include prominent figures from the sports and business worlds. Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, three-time Olympic beach volleyball champion Kerri Walsh Jennings, and recording artist Jason Derulo are among the investors. The DeVos family, owners of the Orlando Magic, are also involved with the Grand Rapids Rise. The formation of Major League Volleyball came after a period of conflict within the Pro Volleyball Federation, which saw the Omaha Supernovas' ownership group attempt to secede and form a rival league. A peace deal ultimately led to the rebranding and merger of the leagues, incorporating the new investors. The professional volleyball scene in the United States is rapidly growing, with other leagues like League One Volleyball (LOVB) and Athletes Unlimited also providing platforms for top-level talent. This growth follows a surge in the sport's popularity at the collegiate level, highlighted by a 2023 match in Nebraska that drew over 92,000 fans. Weston's immediate focus will be on strengthening the on-court product, expanding the league's broadcast footprint, and building strong local fan bases for the teams. The league already has broadcast agreements with CBS, Roku, Vice, and Ion.
