Minnesota Forge Unveiled: New Era of Pro Volleyball Begins
Minnesota Forge: Minnesota’s New Professional Women’s Volleyball Team
Welcome to the future of volleyball in Minnesota!
The state just got its very own professional women’s volleyball team, and it has a brand-new name, look, and big dreams. Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
What Just Happened?
MLV Minnesota (that was the temporary name) has officially become Minnesota Forge. Think of it like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly—the team now has its permanent identity, colors, and a name that means something special to Minnesota.
Craig Leipold (the same person who owns the Minnesota Wild hockey team) is the majority owner. He says:
"Great teams are built through commitment, belief, and a shared sense of purpose. Minnesota Forge reflects that spirit."
Why "Forge"?
The name wasn’t picked randomly. Here’s what it represents:
| Meaning | What It Looks Like in Real Life |
|---|---|
| Strength through pressure | Like metal heated and hammered into something strong |
| Team effort | Players, coaches, fans, families—all working together |
| Building something lasting | Not just a team, but a legacy for Minnesota |
Michelle Haines, the team president, explains:
"Forge connects our Minnesota roots with the future we are building. The name reflects resilience, craftsmanship, and the strength that comes from community."
The Colors: Minnesota in a Palette
The team colors aren’t just pretty—they tell a story about our state:
- Deep & Light Greens → Pine forests & native prairies
- Northern Lights Purple → Our famous aurora borealis
- Lady Slipper Pink → Minnesota’s state flower
- Night Sky → Dark, starry nights up north
- Snowfall → Our beautiful (and long!) winters
Together, these colors mean: Grounded in nature, but bold and modern—just like Minnesota.
Why Minnesota? Why Now?
Minnesota isn’t new to volleyball—we’re obsessed with it.
The Numbers Don’t Lie:
- 17,000+ high school athletes play volleyball
- 450+ high school programs across the state
- Huge network of youth clubs, colleges, coaches, and lifelong fans
Jaime Weston, commissioner of Major League Volleyball (MLV), says:
"Minnesota has one of the country’s strongest and most passionate volleyball communities. This franchise will be an important part of shaping the next era of professional volleyball."
What You Need to Know: Minnesota Forge at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Minnesota Forge (formerly MLV Minnesota) |
| League | Major League Volleyball (MLV) |
| Sport | Professional women’s volleyball |
| Home Arena | Grand Casino Arena (St. Paul) |
| First Season | January 2027 |
| Ownership | Majority: Minnesota Sports & Entertainment Minority: Tim Connelly, Matt Mithun, Cara Mulder, Chuck Runyon, Dave Mortensen |
| Tickets | Season deposits available now at MinnesotaForge.com |
The Big Picture: MLV is Growing!
Minnesota Forge is one of 5 expansion teams joining MLV in 2027, bringing the league to 12 teams total from coast to coast.
What is Major League Volleyball?
- Premier pro volleyball league in the U.S.
- Player-first philosophy (athletes come first!)
- Elite competition + investment in athlete development
- Founded to give volleyball the "major league platform it deserves"
- Entering its 4th season in 2027
Where Will They Play?
Grand Casino Arena in downtown St. Paul:
- Hosts 150+ events/year
- Welcomes 1.5 million guests/year
- Award-winning sustainability practices
- Owned by City of St. Paul, managed by Saint Paul Arena Company (affiliate of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment)
Fun fact: This is the same ownership group that runs the Minnesota Wild, Iowa Wild, and several other venues!
How to Get Involved Right Now
- Visit MinnesotaForge.com
- Put down a season-ticket deposit (locks in your spot for 2027!)
- Follow them on social media:
- TikTok
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Spread the word—tell your volleyball friends!
Important Points to Remember
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Minnesota Forge = Minnesota’s FIRST pro women’s volleyball team
- Debut: January 2027 at Grand Casino Arena (St. Paul)
- Name & colors deeply rooted in Minnesota identity
- MLV expanding to 12 teams—Minnesota is a flagship market
- Season ticket deposits OPEN NOW at MinnesotaForge.com
- Owned by proven sports group (Minnesota Wild ownership)
Summary: Why This Matters
Minnesota Forge isn’t just another sports team. It’s:
- A home for elite women athletes to play professionally in Minnesota
- A rallying point for 17,000+ young volleyball players who now have a pro dream in their backyard
- A statement that women’s professional sports belong here—and they’re here to stay
- A community builder connecting fans, families, and clubs across the state
The forge is fired up. The metal is heating. Minnesota’s next great sports story starts January 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the first season start?
A: January 2027. Mark your calendars!
Q: Where are home games played?
A: Grand Casino Arena in downtown St. Paul.
Q: Can I buy tickets now?
A: You can place a season-ticket deposit now at MinnesotaForge.com to secure your spot for the inaugural season.
Q: Who owns the team?
A: Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (majority)—the same group that owns the Minnesota Wild. Minority investors include Tim Connelly, Matt Mithun, Cara Mulder, Chuck Runyon, and Dave Mortensen.
Q: What is Major League Volleyball?
A: It’s the premier professional volleyball league in the U.S., founded on a player-first philosophy with 12 teams coast-to-coast starting in 2027.
Q: Why the name "Forge"?
A: It represents building strength through pressure, community effort, and creating something enduring—just like Minnesota itself.
Ready to be part of history? Visit MinnesotaForge.com today!