Grand Rapids Rise president discusses pro volleyball merger | Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The president of the Grand Rapids Rise says the next professional volleyball season promises to be an exciting one, now that Major League Volleyball has announced it is absorbing the Pro Volleyball Federation as part of a merger.

Scott Gorsline said on West Michigan’s Morning News that the free agency period was scheduled to start Thursday at 5 p.m.

“(Rise head coach) Cathy George and coaches around the league have been waiting for this day. I think Cathy’ well-prepared. She’s been talking to the players for, really, months since our season ended.”

The $325 million merger was announced earlier this week. The MLV will be one of three pro volleyball leagues in 2026. It will have eight teams next season and expand by four teams the following year.

“It’s just an exciting time,” Gorsline told WOOD Radio. “And we’ve been saying behind the scenes that once these dominoes start to fall, bringing back Oklahoma (Supernovas) back into our league – which many would argue is the top team in the country from an attendance and other perspectives – and bringing on teams like Sacramento in northern California, who are owned by the (NBA’s) Sacremento Kings, and the team in D.C. that’s owned by the Major League Soccer ownership group – it just brings more strength, credibility and experience to the league.”

Some other Rise activities announced in a news release this week:

Rise Coaches Clinic — Thursday, Aug. 7 from 12:30-5 p.m. at MSA Fieldhouse

Rise head coach Cathy George and associate head coach Mike Gawlik will lead the 2025 Rise Coaches Clinic at the team’s practice facility inside the MSA Fieldhouse in Cascade (5435 28th St. Ct. SE). Designed for volleyball coaches of all levels, the clinic will cover tactical strategies, skill development, and in-game scenarios. Rise players Carli Snyder, Paige Briggs-Romine, and Alyssa Jensen will assist with on-court demonstrations and share insights from their professional experiences. Registration is required and costs $50 per coach or $125 for a group of three. The clinic is not open to the general public. More Information | Registration

Rise at West Michigan VB Beach Bash Tournament — Sunday, Aug. 10 from approximately 9 a.m.-noon at Grand Haven State Park

The Rise will have a fan tent at the West Michigan Beach Volleyball Beach Bash tournament at Grand Haven State Park (1001 S. Harbor Dr.). The tent will feature appearances from players and coaching staff. Fans can stop by for autographs, giveaways, and a chance to meet members of the team. The event is free and open to the public. More Information

Rise Boys Volleyball Clinic — Thursday, Aug. 14 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at MSA Fieldhouse

The Rise will host their inaugural boys volleyball clinic at their practice facility inside the MSA Fieldhouse, open to male athletes entering grades 7 through 12. Led by Rise coaching staff and players, the clinic focuses on skill development, position-specific training, and competitive game-like reps for players of all experience levels. The cost to attend is $50 per participant. More Information | Registration

Rise at Rally on Reeds — Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 3:30-7 p.m. at Memorial Field in East Grand Rapids

For the second consecutive year, the Rise will participate in the Rally on Reeds outdoor volleyball event at Memorial Field (2211 Lake Dr. SE). The event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. and features a scrimmage between Forest Hills Northern and Jenison High School at 5 p.m., followed by East Grand Rapids versus Byron Center at 7 p.m. Rise coaches, players, and representatives will be on hand for fan engagement and autograph opportunities throughout the evening. More Information

Griffins & Rise Night at West Michigan Whitecaps — Thursday, Aug. 21 from 5:30-6:35 p.m. at LMCU Ballpark

The Rise and Grand Rapids Griffins will join forces for a special event at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park (4500 W River Dr NE). Rise coaches and players will be on site before the game to meet fans. The Whitecaps will feature volleyball and hockey-themed games throughout the night in a “Salute to Dangles & Digs.” More Information | Tickets

ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL

Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the first formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage.

ABOUT THE GRAND RAPIDS RISE

The Grand Rapids Rise made their debut in January 2024 and will play their third season in 2026 as members of Major League Volleyball. Led by longtime Michigan State and Western Michigan head coach Cathy George, the Rise reached the championship match during their inaugural season and rank among the top U.S. women’s pro volleyball teams in attendance. The team is operated by DP Fox Sports & Entertainment and owned by Dan DeVos, who is also majority owner and CEO of the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins and minority owner of West Michigan Soccer, which will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2027. Visit grrise.com for more information.

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