Scripps Sports Secures 2026 Major League Volleyball Championship—Strategic Move Strengthens Women’s Sports Portfolio
Exclusive 2026 MLV Broadcast Rights Elevate ION’s Women’s Sports Coverage
Scripps Sports has just inked an exclusive broadcast deal to bring the 2026 Major League Volleyball (MLV) championship to ION, positioning itself at the forefront of professional women’s sports in the U.S. With ION now set to air both the semifinals and championship match live in May 2026, this move marks a bold addition to an already robust sports lineup.
Why the Partnership Matters: Scripps Builds on a Women’s Sports Wave
This new partnership with MLV is more than just another sports contract. Volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and with the MLV’s third season approaching, the sport is poised for mainstream breakthrough. By airing MLV’s semifinals and finals, Scripps is capitalizing on surging audience interest in elite women athletes—reinforcing a commitment seen in their recent WNBA and NWSL deals, plus special coverage of trailblazing events like Athlos NYC 2025 and the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off.
| Event | Date | Location | Broadcast Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLV Semifinals | May 7, 2026 | To be announced | ION (Scripps Sports) |
| MLV Championship | May 9, 2026 | To be announced | ION (Scripps Sports) |
Strengthening a Growing Women’s Sports Portfolio
With this MLV agreement, Scripps Sports now commands broadcast rights for top women’s sports properties across basketball, soccer, hockey, and now volleyball. Notably, MLV’s unification with the Pro Volleyball Federation signals momentum, as the league’s upcoming 2026 season will feature eight U.S.-based teams with expansion on the horizon. ION’s extensive national reach positions the championship for record visibility, benefitting fans, athletes, and sponsors alike.
| MLV 2026 Teams | Future Expansion (2027) |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | Northern California |
| Columbus | Washington, D.C. |
| Dallas | |
| Grand Rapids | |
| Indianapolis | |
| Omaha | |
| Orlando | |
| San Diego |
Takeaway: Strategic Move Reflects Broader Media Shift
This broadcast rights win highlights Scripps Sports’ bet that the women’s sports audience is still undervalued and poised for expansion. With volleyball’s rising appeal and a national stage via ION, Scripps could benefit from higher viewership and advertising upside, as more brands and fans flock to women’s leagues. While financial terms are still under wraps, investors and sports fans may want to keep a close eye on how these media moves ripple through Scripps’ portfolio and shape the sports broadcast landscape ahead of 2026.
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