Delhi Pro Volleyball League: A New Era for Financial Stability and Recognition

The Delhi Pro Volleyball League (DPVL) aims to provide financial stability and recognition for players. Founded by former volleyball players Neeti Rawat and Jasoda Gulliya, it is India's first women-led professional volleyball league. The league will feature six franchise teams and is set to debut in 2026. DPVL focuses on building a sustainable platform for athlete growth and empowerment.

Key Points: Delhi Pro Volleyball League: Financial Stability for Players

  • India's first women-led professional volleyball league
  • Focus on financial stability and recognition for players
  • Founded by former players Neeti Rawat and Jasoda Gulliya
  • Six franchise teams to debut in 2026
3 min read

Delhi Pro Volleyball League aims to bring financial stability, recognition for players

Delhi Pro Volleyball League (DPVL), India's first women-led professional volleyball league, aims to empower athletes with financial stability and recognition.

"This league is about building a future where players don't just play for passion, but also have access to professional growth, financial stability, and recognition. - Jasoda Gulliya"

New Delhi, April 24

Emphasising a player-first vision, the Delhi Pro Volleyball League aims to build a future where athletes are not limited to playing for passion alone, but are also empowered with professional growth, financial stability, and long-term recognition.

Delhi Pro Volleyball League (DPVL) was announced in January this year with the vision of creating a structured, professional, and sustainable platform for volleyball talent in the city. The league has the backing of the Delhi Volleyball Association and the Delhi Olympic Association, according to a press release.

Former volleyball players Neeti Rawat and Jasoda Gulliya are fully immersed in the preparations for DVPL, which is also India's first women-led professional volleyball league, built by athletes, for athletes. Both founders bring a unique blend of on-ground experience and professional expertise to the league.

Neeti Rawat, a former volleyball player, has built extensive experience in sports broadcasting and media, offering deep insight into storytelling, audience engagement, and the commercial dynamics of televised sports. Her understanding of how to position and package sports content is expected to play a pivotal role in amplifying volleyball's reach in India.

Complementing this is Jasoda Gulliya, whose background in finance and strategic planning brings a strong foundation in building sustainable business models. With her expertise, DPVL is designed not just as a sporting event but as a scalable sports enterprise that attracts long-term investment, sponsorship, and franchise participation.

Having spent years on the court, both Neeti and Jasoda bring unmatched authenticity and insight into the league's vision.

"DPVL is a movement to redefine how volleyball is perceived and experienced in India. Having lived the journey as athletes ourselves, we don't just understand the sport- we understand its untapped potential. We know where it stands today, where it rightfully belongs, and we are determined to bridge that gap with purpose and action," said Neeti Rawat.

Adding to this, Jasoda Gulliya stated, "This league is about building a future where players don't just play for passion, but also have access to professional growth, financial stability, and recognition. For us, it's not just a sport; it's been a way of life. We haven't just played the game, we've lived it. That's why we understand every nuance, every challenge, and what athletes truly need.

DPVL envisions a holistic ecosystem including player development pathways, professional training environments, competitive exposure, and enhanced visibility through media and broadcast partnerships. The league also seeks to empower women in sports leadership, setting a precedent for more inclusive and diverse governance in Indian sports.

The Delhi Pro Volleyball League (DPVL) will feature a dynamic and professional league format comprising six franchise teams competing in a structured, high-quality match environment. Set to make its debut in 2026, DPVL aims to deliver a competitive and commercially viable platform that elevates the standard of volleyball in India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
This is genuinely exciting. But I hope they don't make it too commercial and forget about grassroots development. Many leagues start with fanfare but fail to sustain player welfare. Neeti and Jasoda seem to have the right intent, being former players themselves. Let's see how they execute.
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Sarah B
Great to see a women-led sports initiative in India! DPVL could really help change the narrative around volleyball. But 2026 is a long wait—hope they build proper momentum and don't rush into it. Would love to see some international players join the league too.
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Rohit P
As someone who played volleyball in college, I can't tell you how much we struggled for recognition. No sponsors, no proper facilities, just passion keeping us going. DPVL is a dream come true for many athletes. I just hope franchise owners don't exploit players with low salaries like in some other leagues. 🙏
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Kavya N
I've been following volleyball since the Asian Games. The sport has so much potential but lacks proper infrastructure. DPVL's focus on media partnerships is smart—televised matches will inspire young girls in small towns to take up the sport. Kudos to Neeti and Jasoda for leading this!
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Michael C
Amazing to see Indian sports evolving beyond cricket! The player-first approach is exactly what's needed. I hope DPVL can emulate the success of the Pro Kabaddi League and create a sustainable ecosystem. If they can get franchise owners from different states, it could become a nationwide phenomenon.

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