Athletes Unlimited Forms Women's Indoor Pro League
NEW YORK, New York April 29, 2020 - Athletes Unlimited today
announced expanded plans to reinvent professional sports with
the launch of an indoor women’s volleyball league and creation
of an all-star advisory board. The new volleyball league will
follow the same innovative model of competition the company
unveiled when it announced its inaugural softball league in
March.
Athletes Unlimited Volleyball, the only professional women’s
indoor volleyball league in the United States, will launch in
February 2021. It is officially sanctioned by USA Volleyball,
which will also be providing a wide range of strategic advisory
services. The league will be located in one city with all
matches played in one venue over the course of the season and
will feature 48 of the world’s best players including members of
the U.S. National Team, accomplished professional players and
recent NCAA graduates.
Athletes Unlimited is proud to announce its first three signings
are U.S. National Team members Jordan Larson, Foluke Akinradewo
and Molly McCage. Larson and Akinradewo are both two-time
Olympic medalists with the U.S. National Team. Larson has been
twice named USA Volleyball Female Indoor Player of the Year and
Akinradewo is widely regarded as one of the world's best middle
blockers. McCage, a former middle blocker for the U.S. National
Team, is the University of Texas' all-time block assist leader.
All three players will join the Player Advisory Board of
Athletes Unlimited Volleyball, a group that will determine which
players are invited to join for season one and help set league
rules and policies. In addition, Jordan will also serve on our
Athletes Unlimited Advisory Board.
“We are excited to be partnering with USA Volleyball to expand
our growing network of pro sports leagues and are thrilled that
Jordan, Foluke and Molly are on board to help lead the effort in
building our player-driven league,” Athletes Unlimited CEO and
Co-Founder Jon Patricof said. “Volleyball is one of the
fastest-growing sports in the U.S. and it fits perfectly with
our model of faster play, dynamic teams and next-level
competition and engagement.”
Athletes Unlimited leagues will feature a range of innovations
to bring athletes and fans a unique and intense version of the
sport. Individual athletes earn points based on team wins and
individual performance and become the champions in team sports.
Points can be earned on every play and the leaderboard changes
constantly. In addition, the teams will change each week, with
the top four athletes in the standings serving as captains and
drafting their teams.
“Giving our outstanding volleyball athletes an opportunity to
play an indoor season in the United States will be a
game-changer for our sport and our fans,” USA Volleyball CEO
Jamie Davis said.
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