Virginia Neptunes win first V-League title as league eyes expansion

By AI, Created 4:48 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – The Virginia Neptunes won their first V-League championship in Poquoson, Virginia, behind league MVP and Finals MVP Jaleel Nelson and Coach of the Year Kashif “Stretch” Johnson. The league also said it is pursuing four ownership groups for expansion, opening player tryouts and switching to the NBA three-point line next season.

Why it matters: - The Virginia Neptunes’ first league title marks a breakthrough for a franchise that is trying to establish itself as a rising basketball brand in Hampton Roads. - The V-League’s expansion push, open tryouts and rule change signal a broader attempt to grow the league’s footprint and raise the level of play. - The move to the NBA three-point line could change how teams build rosters and how games are played next season.

What happened: - The Virginia Neptunes beat the DMV Warriors in the 2026 V-League Championship at Poquoson High School in Poquoson, Virginia. - The championship win gave the Neptunes their first league title. - Kashif “Stretch” Johnson was named 2026 V-League Coach of the Year. - Jaleel Nelson was named league MVP and Finals MVP. - Nelson said the season was about sacrifice, trust and staying together through challenges. - Nelson said bringing a championship to Virginia meant everything to the team, ownership group and fans.

The details: - Nelson averaged 22.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game this season. - Johnson led the Neptunes with an emphasis on discipline, preparation, chemistry and consistent execution. - The Neptunes won most of their games by wide margins and built a strong profile on both offense and defense. - In the championship game, Nelson and guard Louis Freeman scored 23 points each. - Center Dajour Dickens had a team-high six blocked shots and anchored the interior defense. - League officials confirmed they are in active discussions with four prospective ownership groups about expansion into new markets. - The league said the expansion effort could be its largest ever. - Official V-League player tryouts are now open across participating markets. - Beginning next season, all teams will play with the official NBA three-point line instead of the college line. - League leadership said the changes reflect higher standards, deeper talent, stronger ownership and a better product for fans. - The Neptunes’ ownership is led by Adrian “A.J.” Justis II and Derek Floyd. - Justis II said the team’s goal has always been bigger than winning games and that the franchise is building something for Hampton Roads with lasting impact. - Floyd said the title is not the finish line and is the foundation.

Between the lines: - The championship gives the Neptunes credibility at the same moment the league is trying to sell itself as a growing national platform. - The combination of expansion talks, open tryouts and a tougher three-point line suggests the V-League wants to look more professional and more competitive. - The league is leaning on championship success and player recognition to support its next phase of growth.

What’s next: - The V-League will evaluate prospective ownership groups as it considers expansion into new markets. - Participating markets will continue hosting open tryouts as teams build for the upcoming season. - Teams will adjust to the NBA three-point line when the new season begins. - The Neptunes will try to turn their first title into a longer run as one of the league’s leading franchises.

The bottom line: - Virginia won the championship, and the V-League is using that moment to push into its next growth phase.