# Ep 23: State of the Pros: Two Leagues, One Rant: The Great MLV vs. LOVB Breakdown

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-side-out-society-podcast-7457317/ep-23-state-of-the-pros-two-leagues-one-rant-the-great-mlv-vs-lovb-breakdown
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-side-out-society-podcast-7457317/ep-23-state-of-the-pros-two-leagues-one-rant-the-great-mlv-vs-lovb-breakdown.md
Podcast: [The Side Out Society Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-side-out-society-podcast-7457317)
Published: 2026-01-28T11:07:32+00:00
Episode link: https://Sideoutsociety.podbean.com/e/ep-23-state-of-the-pros-two-leagues-one-rant-the-great-mlv-vs-lovb-breakdown/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/avyv9i4d4j6tcvxb/SO_S1_e23_012726_v01.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3864

## Resource

Is having two pro leagues good for the sport, or is it just confusing? This week, we issue our official "State of the Pros" address for January. We compare the start of the 2026 season for both leagues, highlighting the breakout rookie performances from Rebekah Allick and Kiara Reinhardt, and the surprising roster moves like the sudden release of Maddie Waak. We also debate the "Merger" timeline. Are we looking at an NFL/AFL situation, and what was up with that competing "NorCal" team announcement? From the "pink" broadcast lighting issues to the disparity in playing time for college faves, we cover the good, the bad, and the chaotic of pro volleyball’s growth. Follow us on social media:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsocietyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

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## Transcript

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