Organisers have announced the six franchise teams that will compete in the inaugural edition of the Nepal Volleyball League (NVL), the country’s first men’s professional franchise volleyball tournament.
The league is being organised by the Kedia Group in partnership with the Nepal Volleyball Association and is scheduled to take place later this year.
The six participating teams are:
- Sagarmatha Smashers
- Madhesh Warriors
- Kathmandu Reds
- Annapurna Spiker Kings
- Karnali Shivaraj
- Khaptad Falcons
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Kathmandu, NVL Chief Executive Officer Dr. Santosh Upadhyaya described the competition as a major milestone for men’s volleyball in Nepal.
“The Nepal Volleyball League will provide a professional platform for men’s volleyball in the country,” he said. “This is the first edition, and we are committed to organising it to the highest professional standards.”
The league will be held under the slogan, “A New Flight to Greater Heights.” Organisers have yet to announce the tournament schedule or the date for the player auction.
Team owners also expressed optimism about the league’s potential to develop the sport.
Umesh Lal Shrestha, Managing Director of Quest Pharmaceuticals and an investor in Kathmandu Reds, said his decision to back the franchise was driven by his passion for sports.
“I was a hockey player before, and my love for sports motivated this investment. We hope to make a meaningful contribution to the sporting community,” he said.
Representatives of other franchises echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the opportunity to promote volleyball talent across Nepal.
An owner of Karnali Shivaraj noted that their organisation had already enjoyed success in the women’s franchise volleyball league, winning back-to-back titles with Karnali Yashvis, and expressed confidence that the men’s team could build on that success.
The launch of the Nepal Volleyball League is expected to provide greater exposure for local players while helping to professionalise the sport in the country.
