homepage

 

 

Athletes Unlimited Forms Women's Indoor Pro League

NEW YORK, New York April 29, 2020 - Athletes Unlimited today announced expanded plans to reinvent professional sports with the launch of an indoor women’s volleyball league and creation of an all-star advisory board. The new volleyball league will follow the same innovative model of competition the company unveiled when it announced its inaugural softball league in March.

Athletes Unlimited Volleyball, the only professional women’s indoor volleyball league in the United States, will launch in February 2021. It is officially sanctioned by USA Volleyball, which will also be providing a wide range of strategic advisory services. The league will be located in one city with all matches played in one venue over the course of the season and will feature 48 of the world’s best players including members of the U.S. National Team, accomplished professional players and recent NCAA graduates.

Athletes Unlimited is proud to announce its first three signings are U.S. National Team members Jordan Larson, Foluke Akinradewo and Molly McCage. Larson and Akinradewo are both two-time Olympic medalists with the U.S. National Team. Larson has been twice named USA Volleyball Female Indoor Player of the Year and Akinradewo is widely regarded as one of the world's best middle blockers. McCage, a former middle blocker for the U.S. National Team, is the University of Texas' all-time block assist leader. All three players will join the Player Advisory Board of Athletes Unlimited Volleyball, a group that will determine which players are invited to join for season one and help set league rules and policies. In addition, Jordan will also serve on our Athletes Unlimited Advisory Board.

“We are excited to be partnering with USA Volleyball to expand our growing network of pro sports leagues and are thrilled that Jordan, Foluke and Molly are on board to help lead the effort in building our player-driven league,” Athletes Unlimited CEO and Co-Founder Jon Patricof said. “Volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. and it fits perfectly with our model of faster play, dynamic teams and next-level competition and engagement.”

Athletes Unlimited leagues will feature a range of innovations to bring athletes and fans a unique and intense version of the sport. Individual athletes earn points based on team wins and individual performance and become the champions in team sports. Points can be earned on every play and the leaderboard changes constantly. In addition, the teams will change each week, with the top four athletes in the standings serving as captains and drafting their teams.

“Giving our outstanding volleyball athletes an opportunity to play an indoor season in the United States will be a game-changer for our sport and our fans,” USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis said.