Women’s professional sports teams are changing the local landscape. In a region historically dominated by Mavericks, Cowboys, and Stars, say hello to the Dallas Pulse. The newly formed professional women’s volleyball team is preparing to start its inaugural season on January 10 against Indianapolis. Home games will be played at the Comerica Center in Frisco.
Last October, Major League Volleyball, which is now in its third year, announced that the Pulse would join existing franchises in cities such as Atlanta, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando, and San Diego. The league has plans to expand in Washington, D.C., and Northern California.
DFW has been volleyball-obsessed for decades. Grady Raskin, Pulse President and CEO, called it, “One of the most passionate and competitive markets in the country.”
Since North Texas routinely produces elite athletes through nationally recognized programs, the Pulse represents a logical move into a new frontier with plans to tap into this thriving community, including an estimated 60,000 local club members.
The economics are promising. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Women in Sports Report, women’s professional leagues are expected to generate over $2 billion in global revenue by 2026, a reflection of remarkable growth and investment. Overall, revenues from women’s elite sports have surged an estimated 240% over the past 4 years, with the market valued at $692 million in 2022.
Pulse players come from prestigious programs like Texas A&M, Oregon, Notre Dame, and Arizona State, with plenty of DFW connections: Celia Cullen currently plays for SMU; Geli Cyr and Kaylee Cox played high school volleyball at Flower Mound.
Shannon Winzer is the head coach. The married mom of three served as head coach of Canada’s Women’s National Volleyball Team. “Sports are a big deal in Dallas, and to be part of an MLV team in its first season, helping build a legacy in an iconic city, is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” said the new coach, who brings a load of international experience to the Pulse.