DC’s pro volleyball team takes step forward as expansion season draws near

May 30, 2026

Washington, D.C. will welcome a new professional women’s volleyball team in 2027 as part of Major League Volleyball’s expansion. The franchise, owned by All United Sports and Entertainment (the same group behind D.C. United soccer), is progression toward its inaugural season starting next January. The league recently expanded to eight teams following a 2025 merger, and D.C. will be one of four new franchises bringing the total to 12 teams heading into 2027.

The team has made two key hires to build its foundation: Kate Greenberg as team president and veteran coach Deitre Collins-Parker as head coach. Greenberg brings extensive D.C. sports experience from previous roles with the Nationals, Washington Spirit, and D.C. Defenders, overseeing commercial and operational functions. Collins-Parker is a volleyball legend who was twice named the nation’s top collegiate player at the University of Hawaii, played for the U.S. national team including at the 1988 Olympics, and coached college volleyball for 25 years before recently serving as assistant coach for the San Diego Mojo.

The team’s identity—including its name, colors, and logo—has been developed and will be revealed soon, with a visual identity rooted in volleyball while connecting uniquely to D.C. The franchise is exploring venue options, potentially starting in a smaller arena before growing into Audi Field once a roof is added. Collins-Parker plans to build a defensive-first 14-player roster with no more than three international players, emphasizing a “no ball hits the floor” attitude that creates long rallies. Fans can expect close-to-court seating including floor and courtside options as the team begins connecting with the local volleyball community. wtop