Major League Volleyball (1987)

Major League Volleyball (MLV) was a professional women's volleyball league that existed in the United States for a single season in 1987. Formed in response to the growing popularity of the sport following the 1984 Summer Olympics, which saw the US women's volleyball team win a silver medal, the MLV aimed to capitalize on this interest and create a viable professional league.

The league consisted of six teams: the Los Angeles Starlites, Minnesota Monarchs, New York Liberties, Ohio Challengers, San Jose Lasers, and Dallas Belles. The season ran from January to April, culminating in a championship match. Matches were televised on ESPN, providing national exposure for the nascent league.

While the MLV attracted some talented players, including Olympians and collegiate stars, it faced significant challenges. Limited marketing budgets, relatively low attendance numbers, and competition from other sports leagues contributed to its financial instability. Despite the efforts of its players and staff, the league folded after its inaugural season.

Although short-lived, Major League Volleyball played a role in the development of women's professional volleyball in the United States. It demonstrated the potential for a market, albeit one that required more resources and a different business model to succeed. The experience gained by players and administrators during the MLV era contributed to future efforts to establish a sustainable professional volleyball league in the country, paving the way for leagues like the USPV and ultimately the current Athletes Unlimited Volleyball.