Minnesota Wild Owner Launches New Pro Volleyball Team in St. Paul for 2027
Minnesota is set to add another major pro sports team, and this one taps into one of the fastest-growing fan bases in the country. Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold announced that he’s launching a new Major League Volleyball franchise in St. Paul, debuting in 2027.
The team will play at the Grand Casino Arena in downtown St. Paul, which is already home to the Minnesota Wild and the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Minnesota Frost. This makes the Twin Cities one of the few markets where major men’s and women’s sports share a connected footprint across multiple venues.
A Powerhouse Ownership Group
Leipold isn’t building this alone. The ownership group includes several well-known Minnesota sports leaders. Tim Connelly, President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is involved. So is Matt Mithun, part of the Minnesota United FC ownership group. Additional backing comes from PrinsBank owner Cara Mulder and Anytime Fitness co-founders Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen.
This level of local investment signals long-term commitment, strong community ties, and the expectation that professional volleyball can thrive in Minnesota.
H2: Volleyball’s Rapid Growth in Minnesota
Minnesota is known for its strong volleyball culture. From high-school participation to club teams to powerhouse college programs, the sport has deep local roots. That’s a major reason MLV targeted the Twin Cities for expansion.
The league is also growing quickly. MLV will reach 11 teams by 2027. Television coverage has expanded from 8 matches in season one to 45 aired last year. National sponsorship interest is rising.
Launching a team in a volleyball-rich market like Minnesota gives the league a major opportunity to expand reach and build dedicated fans.
A Two-League Showdown in 2027
One of the biggest twists in this story is the timing. Last week, League One Volleyball (LOVB) announced its own Minnesota franchise debuting in 2027. That means two competing pro volleyball leagues are entering the Twin Cities simultaneously.
LOVB uses a centralized league-controlled model. MLV operates like the NBA, NFL, and NHL by allowing independent franchise ownership. Leipold said his group preferred the autonomy and market-specific control offered by MLV.
While competing leagues may split attention, it could also push both organizations to elevate their game. Minnesota sports fans will have options, and competition often drives excitement.
What This Means for St. Paul and the Twin Cities
St. Paul gains another marquee sports attraction. The Grand Casino Arena will draw more year-round activity. Local businesses near the arena benefit from increased foot traffic. And Minnesota volleyball fans get access to top-level professional matches in a major venue.
As the team name and branding roll out in 2026, expect the Twin Cities to get behind this fast-growing sport.
If you’re thinking about moving to St. Paul, the East Metro, or anywhere across the Twin Cities, I can help you find a community that fits your lifestyle. The growth of local sports, restaurants, and development plays a big role in shaping neighborhood trends, and I track it all every day.
