As you may have noticed, MLV press releases and interviews keep mentioning there being "12 teams" next year. However, if you take 8 teams, subtract San Diego, and add the 3 announced expansions, that's only 10.

Here are the other two.

1. VEGAS THRILL

A new Vegas Thrill LLC was registered on 3/24/26 (the previous one was dissolved). This entity is owned by "Landier Sports, LLC", which is in turn owned by a Henderson-based film producer named Michael Landier.

According to trusted sources attending the MLV semifinals, Mr. Landier was present, alongside former GM Ruben Herrera and former head coach Fran Flory.

Other unofficial sources have seemingly confirmed that the Thrill will be back for '27. It sounds like a lot of the same staff are being brought back - however, it's unclear who will be head coach.

2. LOS ANGELES

The final, most mysterious expansion is Los Angeles. I'm not sure why it hasn't been announced yet, but we have proof of its existence. A Delaware LLC was registered in California as "LA Volleyball Holdings". The address on record is "450 Duley Rd El Segundo, CA 90245".

Some rudimentary googling will show this address as a common location for a number of business and nonprofit entities that belong to Mr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. Mr. Soon-Shiong is a billionaire and owner of the LA Times. He's also a minority owner of the LA Lakers and purportedly a big sports fan.

In addition to this evidence, the Wall Street Journal did a profile back in March on Mr. Soon-Shiong with the following:

>His portfolio spans stakes in a fiber-optic network, the Los Angeles Lakers, Zoom and a smattering of drug and health-tech firms with a mixed record. He is starting a professional women’s volleyball team, building an event space and launching a chip foundry, and he is determined to cure cancer.

Source: https://www.wsj.com/business/media/the-stubborn-billionaire-behind-the-l-a-timess-revamp-e21a4cb0

This is not LOVB Los Angeles, which already has an owner in Alexis Ohanian. There would be need for a separate business entity, and they could simply announce a new investor. This is a new team absolutely joining MLV.

Conclusion

There will be 12 teams in MLV next year: San Diego will be sitting out, but the Vegas Thrill, Minnesota, NorCal, DC, and Los Angeles will all be joining.

Great interview with Pedro on Fox 9.

MLV Minnesota on Instagram: "Exciting opportunity coming up at Grand Casino Arena tomorrow!! Come meet Professional Volleyball player, Kayla Haneline, tomorrow as the Wild take on the Ducks. Stop by our concourse table at Section 104!!"