Major League Volleyball's second season is about to tip off, and the storylines are already stacking up faster than a middle blocker's kill count.
Eight teams. Arenas packed with fans who discovered they love pro volleyball. A TV deal that's actually putting matches on screens. This isn't a startup league anymore -- this is the real deal.
The Contenders
Last season's champions return most of their core, but the roster moves this offseason have been wild. Free agency in volleyball is still a novelty, and watching teams compete for talent has added a whole new layer to the sport.
What to Watch
The international talent pipeline is flowing. Brazilian setters, Cuban opposites, and Polish middles are filling rosters alongside American talent. The skill level has taken a visible jump from year one.