“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,” Dan DeVos, chairman and CEO of DP Fox Sports & Entertainment.
“Volleyball’s popularity is exploding, (and) 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 clubs, high school and college programs across our region.”
The team will play in the newly formed Pro Volleyball Federation, with starting salaries for players averaging around $60,000 per-year. Currently, volleyball players must re-locate oversees if they want to play volleyball at a professional level.
Pro Volleyball Federation CEO Jen Spicher said Monday that Grand Rapids is the perfect fit for women’s volleyball.
“We are extremely excited about today, and the importance to our league,” Spicher said. “And Grand Rapids and all of Western Michigan are going to fall in love with this team,” she said.
So far, the team does not have a name yet, with a “name the team” contest coming soon.
Competition is set to begin in 2024.
