LOVB Star Madisen Skinner Backs Merging Two U.S. Pro Volleyball Leagues

Skinner says a single league would draw more fans and concentrate top talent.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

LOVB Austin opposite Madisen Skinner, a three-time NCAA champion, has advocated for merging the two major U.S. pro volleyball leagues, LOVB and MLV. Skinner believes a single league would boost fan engagement, increase competition by concentrating top talent, and provide more opportunities for young players to connect with the sport's professionals.

Why it matters

The current split between LOVB and MLV has led to confusion among fans and players about the state of pro volleyball in the U.S. Skinner believes a merged league would strengthen the sport's visibility and growth potential.

The details

Skinner, who won three NCAA titles at Kentucky and Texas, joined LOVB ahead of its inaugural 2024 season, attracted by the chance to play professionally in the U.S. near her friends and family. While the overseas leagues are competitive, Skinner wanted to stay domestic. She believes a merged LOVB-MLV league would draw more fans, increase the level of competition by concentrating top talent, and provide better opportunities for young players to connect with pro athletes.

  • Skinner joined LOVB Pro Volleyball in December 2024, ahead of the league's inaugural season.
  • Skinner won the 2025 LOVB Finals MVP award.

The players

Madisen Skinner

A Katy, Texas native who won three NCAA national championships, the first in 2020 with Kentucky and two more in 2022 and 2023 after transferring to Texas, where she was named the 2023 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Skinner joined LOVB Pro Volleyball, one of two major pro leagues in the U.S., in December 2024 ahead of its inaugural season and won a championship with LOVB Austin, earning 2025 Finals MVP honors.

LOVB Pro Volleyball

One of two major pro volleyball leagues in the U.S., launched in 2024 with six teams and plans to add three more in 2027.

Major League Volleyball (MLV)

The other major pro volleyball league in the U.S., originally launched as the Pro Volleyball Federation in 2024 with seven teams and plans to add three new teams in 2027.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have had numerous conversations of people being so confused with the fact that there's two leagues. Most people don't even know that there's professional volleyball in the [United] States, but to add that other layer of, you can watch here, and you can watch there ― what they're trying to accomplish in and of themselves are completely different. The foundation that they've set is completely different.”

— Madisen Skinner, LOVB Austin Opposite (USA TODAY)

“It would draw in fans more first and foremost, but I think of the player side, being able to have so much talent concentrated in one league. ... I can only think of how much more competitive, how much more engaging and exciting it would be to have so many talented players in one league competing against each other.”

— Madisen Skinner, LOVB Austin Opposite (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The two leagues have expansion plans in 2027, which could further divide the sport's fan base and player pool. Skinner's proposal to merge the leagues would need to be seriously considered by the league owners and commissioners.

The takeaway

Madisen Skinner's advocacy for merging the LOVB and MLV pro volleyball leagues highlights the potential benefits of consolidating talent and resources to grow the sport's visibility and competitiveness in the United States.