New NVL teams for 2025-26 season confirmed

The eight men’s and seven women’s teams take the number in each of the sections, across all divisions, to the maximum 84.  

It means, from the 2026-27 season onwards, new applicants will only be able to join should existing NVL teams drop out or be adjudged to not be meeting the required standards. 

This year’s applicants were accepted following a thorough selection process that was defined by an NVL advisory group made up of a range of people from the league’s community. 

The successful teams were chosen from 37 applicants who were scored in the areas of people infrastructure, team performance, club infrastructure and facilities – and the clubs with the best scores will join the league from the autumn. 

Those who did not secure a place this time have been given feedback on areas they can improve for any future application they may submit.  

All clubs who applied, whether successful or not, have already been notified of their respective outcomes. 

Volleyball England’s Project Lead for An Ace Service, Beth Willetts, says the high number of applications made the process to join the NVL very competitive. 

“The number of applications we have received this year compared to last year has risen significantly, with clubs really trying to raise the bar in order to secure an NVL place,” she said. 

“We have used the same process to measure each of the 37 teams in order make it fair, with the Competitions Working Group making the decision based on the four key areas. 

“With both the women’s and men’s leagues now at maximum capacity, it means the process is only likely to be even more competitive ahead of the 2026-27 season, but the positive effect we hope this will have is to see standards continue to rise.”

“As last year, we will be introducing the new teams to volleyball’s communities over the summer break, and we wish them well for when the action gets underway.”

New NVL teams