The 2026 Major League Volleyball season is gearing up, and all eyes are on the Orlando Valkyries.
Orlando's Big Return
Brittany Abercrombie and her Valkyries are back, ready to defend their 2025 title. They didn't just win; they dominated. With a 31-point performance in the finals, Abercrombie led Orlando to a 4-set victory over the Indy Ignite.
And just like that, the Valkyries are the team to beat. They're bringing back nine players from their championship roster, including MVP setter Pornpun Guedpard. She racked up 1,082 assists last season, third-best in league history. Kazmiere Brown is also returning, her 73 blocks placing her fourth in the league.
New Faces, Same Mission
Orlando isn't resting on their laurels. They've added collegiate stars Bre Kelley from Pittsburgh and Colby Neal from Arizona State. Plus, they've snagged free agents like Charitie Luper and Teodora Pusic. The MLV Preseason Poll? It puts them right back on top.
The Merger That Changed It All
The league landscape shifted when the Pro Volleyball Federation and MLV merged. Why? To avoid losing the Omaha Supernovas, their inaugural champions. The Supernovas, with over 10,000 fans per game, were the PVF's crown jewel. Now, with the merger, we have a new-look MLV ready to roll.
Can Anyone Stop Orlando?
The Atlanta Vibe and the Grand Rapids Rise have made moves too. But let's be real, all roads lead through Orlando. Abercrombie's firepower, Guedpard's precision, and a roster with depth — that's big time.
This season? It's not just a repeat story. It's an Orlando Valkyries dynasty in the making.
And from there… it was over.
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Source: usatoday.com
