Scripps Sports partners with Major League Volleyball to broadcast the league’s championship and semifinals on ION in 2026.
Quiver AI Summary
Scripps Sports has announced an exclusive broadcast partnership with Major League Volleyball (MLV) to air the league's championship events on ION, Scripps' national sports network. The partnership will feature live broadcasts of MLV's two semifinal matches on May 7, 2026, and the championship match on May 9, with the host city yet to be announced. Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor emphasized the growing popularity of women’s volleyball and the league’s role in promoting elite female athletes. This collaboration adds MLV to Scripps Sports' existing portfolio of women's sports, which includes the WNBA and NWSL. The partnership follows Scripps' recent involvement in women’s-only sports events. MLV, which will begin its third season in January 2026, aims to elevate professional women’s volleyball in the U.S., expanding to ten teams by 2027. Further details on the broadcast will be released later, while financial terms remain undisclosed.
Potential Positives
- Scripps Sports has secured an exclusive broadcast partnership with Major League Volleyball (MLV), enhancing its reputation and reach in women's sports broadcasting.
- The partnership will showcase the MLV championship and semifinal matches on ION, significantly expanding viewership and promoting women's volleyball.
- This collaboration aligns with Scripps Sports' strategy to support and elevate women's sports, complementing existing partnerships with leagues like the WNBA and NWSL.
- As MLV continues to grow, bringing more teams and talent into the league, Scripps Sports is poised to be a central player in the evolution of professional women's volleyball in the U.S.
Potential Negatives
- Financial terms are not disclosed, which may raise concerns about the viability and profitability of the partnership with Major League Volleyball.
- The MLV partnership is part of an emerging sports market, which entails risks related to audience engagement and potential revenue generation, especially in a competitive environment.
- The announcement does not provide specific metrics or past success stories to back claims of "exploding popularity," which could undermine confidence in the partnership.
FAQ
What is the new partnership between Scripps Sports and Major League Volleyball?
Scripps Sports has formed an exclusive broadcast partnership to air Major League Volleyball's championship on ION network.
When will the MLV championship and semifinal matches take place?
The MLV semifinal matches are scheduled for May 7, 2026, and the championship on May 9, 2026.
What is Major League Volleyball's mission?
MLV aims to elevate women's volleyball through world-class competition and commercial innovation, serving as a pathway to Olympic development.
How many teams will compete in Major League Volleyball?
MLV will feature eight teams in its 2026 season, expanding to ten teams in 2027.
What other women's sports does Scripps Sports cover?
Scripps Sports also partners with the WNBA, NWSL, and recently covered the Athlos NYC 2025 women's track event.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.
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Full Release
CINCINNATI, Nov. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scripps Sports has formed an exclusive broadcast partnership with Major League Volleyball (MLV) to bring the league’s championship to ION, The E.W. Scripps Company’s (NASDAQ:SSP) national sports and entertainment network that reaches every U.S. TV household over-the-air and on all major pay TV and connected TV/FAST services.
ION will carry the MLV’s two semifinal matches live on Thursday, May 7, 2026, as well as the championship on Saturday, May 9, with the host city to be announced.
“Volleyball is exploding in popularity worldwide, and MLV is driving the future of professional women’s volleyball in the U.S.,” said Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports. “Bringing the 2026 MLV championship to our national audience is exactly what Scripps Sports is built for – showcasing elite women athletes and their sports that inspire millions of fans.”
The MLV is the latest to join Scripps Sports’ robust portfolio of women’s sports, which includes the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The MLV partnership announcement also follows Scripps Sports’ recent coverage of Athlos NYC 2025, a first-of-its-kind women’s-only track and field event, in October. Also coming this fall to ION is the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off – a premier early-season college basketball tournament held Thanksgiving weekend.
In a landmark move for the sport last summer, Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball announced plans for a single, united league poised to elevate professional women’s volleyball in the United States. Beginning play in January 2026, MLV is an evolution of PVF, and the upcoming campaign will be recorded as the league’s third season. The league will feature eight teams based in Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando and San Diego and will grow to 10 in 2027 with additions in Northern California and Washington, D.C. The selection of the next set of outstanding players to join Major League Volleyball will take place on Monday, Nov. 24, as the latest group of newcomers is chosen by teams during the 2025 MLV Draft.
Additional details, including on-air talent and broadcast times, will come at a later date. Financial terms are not being disclosed.
Media contacts:
Jim Weiss, 770-722-2142,
[email protected]
; Rob Carolla, 214-208-1876,
[email protected]
About Scripps Sports
Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach. Scripps Sports currently has partnerships with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the National Hockey League’s (NHL) 2024 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, the 2023 Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, the Utah Mammoth, the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA and the NCAA’s Big Sky Conference. Scripps Sports is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).
About ION
A leading general entertainment and sports network, ION’s lineup features major cable and broadcast shows, original series, live sports and special event programming. ION is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in more than 40 markets.
About Major League Volleyball
Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec0eaa5a-0516-47f9-8d46-78e7e6713d5c
