A Professional volleyball team is officially coming to Minnesota.
The move will expand the League One Volleyball competition, debuting in the Twin Cities in January, 2027.
League affiliate Jennifer Brathall tells WCCO Radio's Vineeta Sawkar that Minnesota's strong volleyball community, which ranks fourth nationally in high school participation, makes it a prime location for the league.
"Previously, if you wanted to play professionally, you needed to go overseas," says Brathall. "So you were leaving your family, your friends, you were uprooting your life, and a part of League One's mission was to keep these athletes home. And so that's what we've done."
She says local clubs like theirs are partnering with the league to find talented players, often right out of high school.
League affiliate R.T. Luczak says the exciting expansion is built upon the state's incredible depth of talent from coaches to players.
"From Ken Miller at USA Volleyball when he was there, to Kurt Glassman at Northern Lights Volleyball, Doug Bergman at M1 Volleyball, Scott Jackson, it's really because of our community that this was possible," Luczak explains.
Currently, there are pro teams in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Madison, Nebraska and Salt Lake City.
And yes - you can already purchase some LOVB Minnesota-branded merchandise and put down a deposit on season memberships.