LOS ANGELES, CA – November 14, 2025 – League One Volleyball (LOVB) — the largest community in youth volleyball and the nation’s first professional league built from the club up — today announced LOVB Minnesota Volleyball, debuting in January 2027.
“Minnesota is one of the great homes of volleyball, with a passionate fan base and an incredible depth of talent across the state,” said Rosie Spaulding, President of LOVB Pro. “Bringing a professional team here is about celebrating that passion and building a clear, tangible path for the next generation. With LOVB Minnesota, the journey comes full circle, from the first club practice to the professional stage, right here at home.”
With more than 17,000 athletes competing across 450 programs nationwide, Minnesota ranks #4 nationally in girls’ high school volleyball participation. The state’s high school championships regularly draw sellout crowds, underscoring the deep community roots and generational support that define volleyball here. From packed high school gyms to year-round club tournaments, the sport in Minnesota begins at the grassroots level and LOVB’s model builds directly on that foundation.
“From my first club tournament to committing to play in college, volleyball in Minnesota has shaped who I am,” said Abby Miller, Kokoro Volleyball youth athlete who has committed to the University of St. Thomas. “Growing up in the LOVB club system has shown me how strong the volleyball community is here, and now having a professional team in Minnesota proves that we’re truly building the future of the sport.”
Minnesota’s youth volleyball scene has long been one of the most competitive in the country. LOVB’s Minnesota clubs Kokoro Volleyball and M1 Volleyball train more than 680 athletes annually, and send hundreds of players onto collegiate programs, NCAA tournaments runs, and ultimately, the biggest stages of the sport. Current LOVB pro players Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota native) and Alexis Hart are Gopher All-Americans, two-time Olympic medalist Jordan Thompson is from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and LOVB Madison outside hitter is from Belle Plaine, Minnesota.
The University of Minnesota has anchored the state’s volleyball identity for decades, making six NCAA Final Four appearances since 2003 and ranking consistently among the top five nationally in home attendance. St. Thomas, the first program to move directly from Division III to Division I, Division II powerhouse Concordia University, St. Paul and standout Division III programs like Bethel and Gustavus Adolphus further showcase the state’s depth.
“What a wise and thrilling decision by LOVB leadership. Minnesota is not only a thriving professional sports state but a passionate and committed volleyball community,” said Keegan Cook, Head Coach of the University of Minnesota Volleyball program. “We cannot wait to welcome LOVB to the Twin Cities.”
LOVB Minnesota’s launch preparations begin this November, with its first serve set for January 2027.
About LOVB
Founded in 2020, LOVB’s mission is to reimagine the future of volleyball. With a unique community up approach, LOVB is one holistic ecosystem - from club to pro. The largest community of youth clubs in the country, LOVB launched the first serve of its pro league in January 2025, featuring some of the very best players in the world including American silver medalists and players from the last Olympics. For more information on LOVB as it embarks on its second season, its clubs, and its professional teams in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Madison, Nebraska, Salt Lake, and soon to be Los Angeles and Minnesota, please visit www.lovb.com or on social channels like Instagram.