CAN YOU DIG IT?

Women’s Pro Volleyball Coming to Grand Rapids in 2024

West Michigan’s newest sports franchise was born on Dec. 5, 2022, when DP Fox Sports & Entertainment announced the launch of a women’s professional volleyball team that will play at Van Andel Arena as a member of the newly formed Pro Volleyball Federation beginning in February 2024.

The historic announcement was made by Dan DeVos, chairman and CEO of DP Fox, in a packed press conference at Van Andel Arena attended by Pro Volleyball Federation executives as well as local government officials, business leaders, and volleyball coaches and athletes.

“We’re excited that our West Michigan Pro Volleyball franchise is the first to be announced in the Pro Volleyball Federation, and we are very proud to bring women’s professional sports to Grand Rapids and Van Andel Arena,” said DeVos, who is also co-owner and CEO of the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. “Volleyball’s popularity is exploding. The Midwest is a hotbed for the sport, the Big Ten is the most dominant conference in the NCAA, and there are a number of strong club, high school and college programs across our region.

“This is a true women’s major-league sport and team coming to Grand Rapids. We strongly believe in the league’s vision to provide the highest level of women’s professional sports in our country, and we are excited to be in on the ground floor,” added DeVos.

Pro Volleyball Federation is the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America with world-class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players. Pro Volleyball Federation will be played at a major-league level in pro arenas with elite athletes who, for the first time, have an opportunity to make a real living wage and play at the highest level without leaving the country. Founding partners of the league include Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer.

In a video message played during the press conference, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss remarked that “this is such an exciting announcement for our community. I can tell you as the first female mayor of our city I am especially excited to hear that we will have a women’s pro team playing downtown. I know I’ll be excited to see them and attend the games, but I know that it will also have a huge impact on girls all throughout our city and region. They will be mentors and individuals that girls right here in our city can look up to.”

At press time, West Michigan Pro Volleyball was holding a “Name the Team” contest, with the team’s moniker set for introduction this spring. Fans are encouraged to visit wmprovolleyball.com to sign up for the team’s email list and to receive information about tickets and sponsorships, and to visit provolleyballfederation.com to learn more about the league.