Scripps Sports lands rights to 2026 Major League Volleyball (MLV) championship for ION

Rhea-AI Summary

Scripps Sports (NASDAQ:SSP) formed an exclusive broadcast partnership with Major League Volleyball (MLV) to carry the league’s 2026 championship on ION. ION will air the two semifinals live on May 7, 2026 and the championship on May 9, 2026; the host city is to be announced. ION is described as reaching every U.S. TV household across OTA, pay TV and connected TV/FAST platforms. MLV begins play January 2026 with eight teams and plans expansion to 10 teams in 2027. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Positive

• Exclusive ION broadcast of MLV championship on May 9, 2026
• ION will air two live semifinals on May 7, 2026
• ION reaches every U.S. TV household across OTA and streaming
• MLV aligned with Scripps’ existing WNBA and NWSL portfolio

Negative

• Financial terms of the partnership are not disclosed
• Championship host city is to be announced

Insights

Media Rights Strategist

Scripps secures exclusive national broadcast of the 2026 MLV semifinals and final on ION, expanding its women's sports portfolio.

The deal places Scripps Sports and ION as national homes for Major League Volleyball's key postseason matches on May 7, 2026 and May 9, 2026, giving the network live rights that reach every U.S. TV household across OTA, pay TV and FAST platforms. This strengthens programmed inventory with live sports that attract dedicated, advertiser-friendly demographics and complements existing rights to the WNBA and NWSL.

Execution depends on viewership, ad sales and production costs; financial terms are undisclosed which limits direct revenue impact assessment. The announcement also ties to league growth plans (eight teams in 2026, expansion in 2027) and the planned unification with the Pro Volleyball Federation, which could affect long-term content value.

Watch for announced on-air talent, broadcast times and any disclosed commercial terms ahead of the Nov. 24, 2025 draft and the 2026 season launch in January 2026; short-term signals will include scheduling details and early ad-sales interest, with measurable audience data arriving after the May 2026 broadcasts.

CINCINNATI, Nov. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scripps Sports has formed an exclusive broadcast partnership with Major League Volleyball (MLV) to bring the league’s championship to ION, The E.W. Scripps Company’s (NASDAQ:SSP) national sports and entertainment network that reaches every U.S. TV household over-the-air and on all major pay TV and connected TV/FAST services.

ION will carry the MLV’s two semifinal matches live on Thursday, May 7, 2026, as well as the championship on Saturday, May 9, with the host city to be announced.

“Volleyball is exploding in popularity worldwide, and MLV is driving the future of professional women’s volleyball in the U.S.,” said Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports. “Bringing the 2026 MLV championship to our national audience is exactly what Scripps Sports is built for – showcasing elite women athletes and their sports that inspire millions of fans.”

The MLV is the latest to join Scripps Sports’ robust portfolio of women’s sports, which includes the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The MLV partnership announcement also follows Scripps Sports’ recent coverage of Athlos NYC 2025, a first-of-its-kind women’s-only track and field event, in October. Also coming this fall to ION is the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off – a premier early-season college basketball tournament held Thanksgiving weekend.

In a landmark move for the sport last summer, Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball announced plans for a single, united league poised to elevate professional women’s volleyball in the United States. Beginning play in January 2026, MLV is an evolution of PVF, and the upcoming campaign will be recorded as the league’s third season. The league will feature eight teams based in Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando and San Diego and will grow to 10 in 2027 with additions in Northern California and Washington, D.C. The selection of the next set of outstanding players to join Major League Volleyball will take place on Monday, Nov. 24, as the latest group of newcomers is chosen by teams during the 2025 MLV Draft.

Additional details, including on-air talent and broadcast times, will come at a later date. Financial terms are not being disclosed.

Media contacts:  Jim Weiss, 770-722-2142, jim.weiss@scripps.com; Rob Carolla, 214-208-1876, rob@provolleyball.com
               
About Scripps Sports
Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach. Scripps Sports currently has partnerships with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the National Hockey League’s (NHL) 2024 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, the 2023 Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, the Utah Mammoth, the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA and the NCAA’s Big Sky Conference. Scripps Sports is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

About ION
A leading general entertainment and sports network, ION’s lineup features major cable and broadcast shows, original series, live sports and special event programming. ION is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in more than 40 markets.

About Major League Volleyball
Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the longest-running 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. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec0eaa5a-0516-47f9-8d46-78e7e6713d5c

FAQ

What dates will ION broadcast the 2026 MLV semifinals and championship (SSP)?

ION will air semifinals live on May 7, 2026 and the championship on May 9, 2026.

Will the 2026 MLV championship be exclusive to ION (SSP)?

Yes, Scripps Sports announced an exclusive broadcast partnership to bring the 2026 MLV championship to ION.

Does ION reach national TV audiences for the 2026 MLV championship (SSP)?

ION is described as reaching every U.S. TV household over-the-air and on major pay TV and connected TV/FAST services.

When does Major League Volleyball begin play and how many teams will it have in 2026 (SSP)?

MLV begins play in January 2026 and will feature eight teams in the upcoming season.

Will MLV expand after the 2026 season and where (SSP)?

MLV plans to grow to 10 teams in 2027 with additions in Northern California and Washington, D.C.

Were financial terms or on-air talent disclosed for the SSP–MLV broadcast deal?

No; the announcement says financial terms are not being disclosed and on-air talent/times will be revealed later.