ROCHESTER, Minn. -- The United States Professional Volleyball League -- including the Rochester Chill -- is in danger of being spiked.

If the Chill, last season's league champions, and the three other teams in the league don't find local investors by Friday, the league could fold.

USPV founder and chairman William Kennedy said he could no longer be the primary investor for the league and had to pull out before the second season, which begins in January.

"I have been the single investor in the USPV,'' Kennedy told the Post Bulletin of Rochester for a story published Thursday. "The sponsorships that we have are significant and important, but it's investors that we need to secure.

"One person cannot continue to be the single funding source for the league,'' he said. "I cannot continue because we only have so much funds that we can put into this.''

Kennedy started the league so top college players -- including his daughter Kelly, who plays for the Chicago team -- would have a place to play professionally in the United States. The other teams are in St. Louis and Grand Rapids, Mich.

Losing the Chill would be a big blow to the community, said Donna Drews, director of the Rochester Civic Center, where the Chill play their home games.

"Financially, it would be a significant loss to us,'' Drews said.

Drews estimated the Chill generates about $300,000 for the Civic Center in 10 home games. Last year, the Chill sold out three home games and averaged about 2,000 fans per game.

While in Rochester last season, Kennedy said the league's financial backing was solid, and he envisioned a national television contract and expansion in the near future.

Chill General Manager Kevin Ruetten said he is optimistic the teams will find investors and the 2003 season will be played.

"It was definitely a shock at first, and a little disheartening,'' Chill middle-blocker Wiz Bachman said. "Last year was such a successful season for everyone. We had obviously been building for the upcoming season.''