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Minnesota Forge: New women’s pro volleyball team unveiled name and brand Courtesy: Minnesota Forge. Minnesota’s professional women’s volleyball team will be known as the Minnesota Forge after the team unveiled the name and brand on Wednesday morning. The Forge, who are set to play their home games at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, will embark on their first season in January 2027. PREVIOUS: Major League Volleyball announces Minnesota franchise to begin play in 2027 The expansion to Minnesota comes as Major League Volleyball (MLV) enters its fourth season after expanding from 8 to 12 teams. The other three new teams include Northern California, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. The new Minnesota franchise is majority owned and operated by Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, which also owns the Minnesota Wild. Minority owners include Tim Connelly, Matt Mithun, Cara Mulder, Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortenson. Team officials say Minnesota’s name and visual identity is meant to reflect strength, ambition and community. “Forge connects our Minnesota roots with the future we are building,” said Michelle Haines, with MLV. “The name reflects resilience, craftsmanship, and the strength that comes from community. We wanted an identity that feels authentic to this state while expressing the confidence and ambition of a professional team creating new opportunities for elite athletes, inspiring the next generation and advancing women’s sports.” The logo colors were inspired by Minnesota landscapes and seasons, including deep and light greens, Northern Lights purple, Lady Slipper pink, Night Sky and Snowfall. Click here for information about the upcoming schedule and tickets.