MUMBAI: After tasting success with the inaugural season of Pro Volleyball League (PVL), the IPL-style franchise-based league for volleyball, sports marketing firm Baseline Ventures, the league owners and Volleyball Federation of India (VFI), have set a big target — to make PVL India’s second biggest league.

While PVL had a short first season (21-days, 6-teams), the league will be adding two more franchises ahead of second year.

“It’s very humbling to know PVL has done well in its first season with all the feedback that we have received from sports fans and also from VFI and the global body FIVB,” Tuhin Mishra, MD, Baseline Ventures, told ET.

He said the company is “very optimistic” of the prospects because of the sport’s huge appeal, both at urban and rural areas as well as the quality of Indian players combined with top International players. “PVL will scale greater heights. With the possible addition of more teams in season 2, the canvas of PVL will be much larger going forward and will help us in our mission of being the No. 2 league in India,” said Mishra.

Experts reckon that while the first season was good, reaching No. 2 will not be a cakewalk for PVL, which is far behind the existing leagues.

“PVL was well presented on TV. However, for a league to scale and sustain, the federation will have to do many things that will eventually build a fan base. Also, it’s important to keep the sport relevant through the year and keep the fans engaged,” said Vinit Karnik, business head, of ESP Properties, a division of GroupM.