Major League Volleyball Hires First Commissioner
Major League Volleyball has appointed Jaime Weston as its first-ever Commissioner. The move comes as the league enters its third season, signaling a new era of professionalization for women's volleyball in the U.S.
Previously, Major League Volleyball operated under the name Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), which was co-founded by Dave Whinham and had Jen Spicher as its CEO. The league's recent rebranding and the creation of a commissioner role signal a strategic shift towards a more centralized leadership model. Weston is a seasoned sports and entertainment executive, having spent over 15 years in the NFL's front office, where she was involved in brand management and marketing. Her experience also includes roles as the Chief Commercial Officer for USA Volleyball and Executive Vice President of Consumer Marketing at Universal Music Group. The league is entering its third season, building on the foundation of the PVF, which saw notable growth in its first two years. In its inaugural season, the league reported attendance of nearly 400,000 fans, with the Omaha Supernovas setting a U.S. record for a professional women's volleyball match with 11,624 fans. Player compensation has been a focus for the league, with minimum salaries of $60,000 and top players earning up to $175,000 for the 2025 season, not including potential bonuses. The league also offered a significant $1 million prize pool for the championship-winning team. Major League Volleyball has secured broadcast deals with networks including CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and Roku, expanding its national visibility. The 2025 PVF All-Star Match, which aired on CBS, reached a peak viewership of 445,000. The league currently consists of eight teams, including the newly added Dallas Pulse. Ambitious expansion plans are already in place, with new franchises in Washington D.C., and Northern California expected to join in 2027. The professional volleyball landscape in the U.S. is growing, with other leagues like Athletes Unlimited and League One Volleyball (LOVB) also in operation. This competitive environment underscores the significance of MLV's move to solidify its structure and leadership. The league's investors include prominent figures such as recording artist Jason Derulo and Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, signaling strong financial backing and confidence in the future of professional volleyball in the United States.
