American National Volleyball Association Professional League Announced

Due to the international success of both the male and female USA national volleyball teams, fans all over the world always wondered when America would have its own professional league. This was a question also shared by many of Team USA players, as Olympian Russell Holmes stated on his personal Instagram page:

If there was one question I got frequently asked during my professional career as a volleyball player it would have to be, “When are they gonna start a pro league in the United States?” Or, “Why is there not a pro league in the USA?” I can recall always leaving those conversations feeling a little embarrassed and uncertain and ultimately asking myself the same questions of, “Why?” “When?”

It looks like players’ and fans’ prayers alike have been answered, as media outlets all over the world started reporting on the creation of an American Male Professional League. Holmes himself announced on Instagram that the National Volleyball Association (NVA) will be launching a league soon:

If there was one question I got frequently asked during my professional career as a volleyball player it would have to be, "When are they gonna start a pro league in the United States?" Or, "Why is there not a pro league in the USA?" I can recall always leaving those conversations feeling a little embarrassed and uncertain and ultimately asking myself the same questions of, "Why?" "When?" Well today the embarrassment and uncertainty stops as it is with great pride and pleasure to present to you the inaugural men's professional volleyball league, the NVA (National Volleyball Association). Coming soon to the United States @nvausa 🇺🇸🏐 I feel extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work closely with those responsible for making this possible. This is a huge moment for the sport here in the United States. So please show your support and be apart of this exciting movement by following @nvausa on Instagram, twitter, and Facebook. Be sure to follow along ( @nvausa ) to be updated on exciting updates, announcements, and fan involvement opportunities. The NVA … #LetActionDefineYou

A post shared by Russell Holmes (@russellholmes12) on Nov 15, 2017 at 8:11am PST

Although not much is yet known about the league, it looks like it has formed a partnership with MGM Grand to launch an 8 team competition:

The NVA is excited to partner with MGM Grand & announce our inaugural season with an 8 team Showcase event in Las Vegas Dec. 8-10! Come out, watch some great volley & support the NVA! See Lloy Ball, @russellholmes12 & many others back in action on USA soil as we kick off! #LetActionDefineYou

A post shared by NVA (@nvausa) on Nov 16, 2017 at 9:13am PST

Matt Anderson himself, one of Team USA’s most established current players, also endorsed the league on his personal Instagram page. The current Team USA standouts, who plays for Russian League’s powerhouse Zenit Kazan, is one of the world’s best paid players, earning about $850,000 a year, according to worldofvolley.com. It will be interesting to see if he will be affiliated with the league in any way:

The National Volleyball Association @nvausa is ecstatic to present the inaugural Men’s Professional League coming soon to the United States! Stay tuned for exciting updates and fan involvement opportunities! #LetActionDefineYou

A post shared by Matt Anderson (@mja5041) on Nov 16, 2017 at 2:15am PST

For the time being, not much else has been announced to the media or the public, but it has been stated that Andrew Nally, Holmes, and Lloyd Ball will be involved with the league. Stay tuned for more!