Delhi Pro Volleyball League trials begin May 24 at Karkardooma
Synopsis
India's newest franchise volleyball league is already drawing players from over 20 states — and trials haven't even begun yet. The Delhi Pro Volleyball League kicks off Phase 1 on 24 May at Karkardooma, with six franchise teams set to pick squads from a national auction pool ahead of its inaugural season later this year.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Pro Volleyball League (DPVL) Phase 1 trials begin on 24 May at Laxmi Public School, Karkardooma , New Delhi.
Trials will be held in multiple phases to enable wider regional participation and talent identification.
Registrations have been received from more than 20 states across India, according to founder Neeti Rawat .
Shortlisted players will enter an auction pool from which six franchise teams will select their squads.
The league is backed by the Delhi Volleyball Association and the Delhi Olympic Association , with the inaugural season set for later this year.
The Delhi Pro Volleyball League (DPVL) has announced the launch of player trials for its inaugural season, with Phase 1 set to begin on 24 May at Laxmi Public School, Karkardooma, in New Delhi. The trials will be conducted in multiple phases to ensure broad regional coverage and talent identification across categories.
Trial Structure and Phases
The DPVL has designed a phased trial format to cast a wider net across the country. Following the conclusion of all trial phases, shortlisted players will enter an official auction pool, from which the league's six franchise teams will pick their squads for the inaugural season, scheduled later this year.
Registration Response and League Vision
DPVL founder Neeti Rawat described the early response as encouraging. 'The trials are being conducted in phases, and the response we have received during the registration process has been truly overwhelming. We are very happy to see registrations coming in from more than 20 states across the country. In just a span of few months since the formal launch of the league, it is inspiring to see DPVL taking shape and moving strongly in the direction we always envisioned,' she said.
Backing and Organisational Support
The league was launched earlier this year with the backing of the Delhi Volleyball Association and the Delhi Olympic Association. Its stated aim is to build a structured and sustainable ecosystem for volleyball in India, combining professional competition with athlete development and improved media visibility.
What the Inaugural Season Will Look Like
The DPVL will feature six franchise teams competing in a professional league format. Organisers say the league is designed to elevate volleyball's profile in India by providing players — particularly those from smaller states — a credible pathway to professional competition. This comes as several other Indian sports have benefited from franchise-league models in recent years, and volleyball has remained comparatively underexposed at the professional level.
Point of View
Or merely lends credibility to a launch announcement, will be the defining question for DPVL's second season and beyond.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the Delhi Pro Volleyball League trials being held?
The DPVL Phase 1 trials begin on 24 May at Laxmi Public School in Karkardooma, New Delhi. Subsequent phases will be held across multiple regions to ensure wider participation.
How will DPVL franchise teams select their players?
After all trial phases are completed, shortlisted players will enter an official auction pool. The six DPVL franchise teams will then select players from this pool for the inaugural season.
How many states have registered players for the DPVL trials?
According to DPVL founder Neeti Rawat, registrations have come in from more than 20 states across India, which she described as 'truly overwhelming' for a league only a few months old.
Who is backing the Delhi Pro Volleyball League?
The DPVL was launched with the support of the Delhi Volleyball Association and the Delhi Olympic Association. The league aims to create a structured professional ecosystem for volleyball in India.
When will the DPVL inaugural season take place?
The inaugural season of the Delhi Pro Volleyball League is scheduled to be held later in 2025, after the completion of all trial phases and the franchise auction.
