Minnesota Forge: How a New Team Is Shaping Pro Volleyball's Future

ST. PAUL, MN – August 12, 2026 – The landscape of professional sports in Minnesota gained a powerful new player today as MLV Minnesota officially unveiled its permanent identity: Minnesota Forge. The announcement introduces a professional women's volleyball team poised to enter a market ripe with enthusiasm, backed by a strategic ownership group and a league on an aggressive growth trajectory.

Set to begin its inaugural season in January 2027, the franchise represents more than just a new name and logo; it signifies a calculated investment in the booming market for women's professional sports and a commitment to building a franchise deeply embedded in the state's fabric. The team will play its home matches at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, a venue already seasoned in hosting professional sports.

A Strategic Play in a Booming League

Minnesota Forge enters the scene at a pivotal moment for its governing body, Major League Volleyball (MLV). The league, which rebranded from the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) after a strategic merger in 2025, is executing an ambitious national expansion. The Forge is one of five expansion franchises set to bring the league to 12 teams in 2027, joining new teams in major markets like Los Angeles, Northern California, and Washington D.C. This rapid growth is fueled by what sources indicate is over $100 million in committed funding and a clear vision for sustainability.

Leading this charge is MLV's recently appointed commissioner, Jaime Weston, a former NCAA athlete with extensive experience at the NFL and USA Volleyball. Weston's strategy is built on three pillars: making players the central ambassadors of the league, leveraging digital platforms to build a national fanbase, and aligning with the broader volleyball ecosystem, from youth clubs to collegiate programs. This approach aims to capitalize on the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2027 Women's World Championship, creating a wave of momentum for the sport in North America.

For franchises like the Forge, this means joining a league structured for success. MLV employs a model with independently owned teams and a player-first philosophy, offering competitive salaries and a team salary cap of $1.2 million to ensure a level playing field and attract top-tier talent. By securing a franchise, Minnesota Sports & Entertainment is making a strategic entry into a league that is actively building the commercial and broadcast infrastructure to compete on a major league level.

Forging a Minnesotan Identity

The choice of the name 'Forge' is a deliberate nod to both Minnesota's industrial heritage and the collaborative effort required to build something enduring. "The name reflects resilience, craftsmanship, and the strength that comes from community," said Michelle Haines, president of Minnesota Forge. "We wanted an identity that feels authentic to this state while expressing the confidence and ambition of a professional team."

This sentiment was echoed by majority owner Craig Leipold, who also owns the NHL's Minnesota Wild. "Great teams are built through commitment, belief, and a shared sense of purpose," Leipold stated. "Minnesota Forge reflects that spirit and our vision to create an elite professional franchise that will inspire fans, support women athletes, and become a lasting part of Minnesota's sports."

The team's visual identity further grounds it in its home state. The color palette—with greens from pine forests, purple from the Northern Lights, and pink from the Lady Slipper—is designed to be distinctly Minnesotan. This branding is not just for merchandise; it's a statement of intent to connect with a community that boasts one of the nation's most passionate volleyball followings, with over 17,000 athletes competing in high school programs alone.

"Minnesota has one of the country's strongest and most passionate volleyball communities, and that foundation makes it an exciting market for the continued growth of women's professional sports," noted MLV Commissioner Jaime Weston. The franchise's success will hinge on its ability to translate this existing passion into ticket sales, viewership, and grassroots support.

The Powerhouse Ownership Behind the Court

The long-term viability of any new sports franchise rests heavily on its ownership, and Minnesota Forge is built on a foundation of proven business and sports acumen. The majority owner, Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE), brings the operational expertise and financial stability that comes from running the Minnesota Wild and managing the Grand Casino Arena itself. This synergy between team and venue management is a significant competitive advantage, streamlining operations and enhancing the fan experience from day one.

Further bolstering the franchise is a diverse group of minority investors with deep ties to the Minnesota business and sports communities. The group includes Tim Connelly, President of Basketball Operations for the Timberwolves; Matt Mithun, a part-owner of Minnesota United FC; and Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen, the co-founders of the global fitness empire Anytime Fitness. This collection of investors provides not only capital but also a wealth of strategic knowledge in building successful brands and engaging with the local market.

This robust ownership structure is a critical differentiator in the often-volatile world of new sports leagues. It signals to players, sponsors, and fans that Minnesota Forge is not a speculative venture but a serious, long-term commitment to establishing a premier professional sports organization.

Building a Roster and a Fan Experience

While the first serve is still months away, the work of building a competitive team is already well underway. Showing a proactive recruitment strategy, the franchise has already signed a slate of talented players for its inaugural season, including international standout Airi Miyabe and former University of Minnesota star Stephanie Samedy. This early activity in the free agent market demonstrates an aggressive approach to roster construction, aiming to be competitive from the opening match.

Fans looking to support the team can already place season-ticket deposits, a key step in building the initial revenue base and gauging community interest. The team's home at Grand Casino Arena, a venue known for hosting premier events, promises a professional gameday experience. With MSE managing the facility, fans can expect a level of quality and service consistent with an established NHL franchise.

As the league expands and the team continues to build its roster and front office, all eyes will be on St. Paul to see how this new franchise is forged. The combination of a passionate local market, a strategically expanding league, and a powerhouse ownership group has created a unique opportunity to build not just a team, but a lasting pillar of Minnesota's vibrant sports culture.