Versant Secures Exclusive Broadcast Rights to Amplify League One Volleyball
Versant,the forthcoming Comcast spinoff,has entered into a multi-year contract to exclusively televise League One Volleyball (LOVB) matches.This agreement grants Versant’s USA Network the sole privilege to air the league’s “Match of the Week” every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET during prime time, along with comprehensive coverage of playoff and championship contests.
women’s Volleyball Popularity Surges Across America
The timing of this partnership coincides with a remarkable upswing in volleyball’s popularity nationwide. In 2024 alone, participation in court volleyball climbed by 6.7%, according to recent figures from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. High school girls’ volleyball reached an all-time high with over 479,000 athletes competing during the 2023-24 season.
At the collegiate level, interest is booming as well: viewership for the 2024 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament increased by an remarkable 41% year-over-year on ESPN platforms, accumulating more than 1.3 billion minutes watched-the highest total ever recorded for this event on ESPN networks.
Unprecedented Attendance Reflects Growing Fan Base
A defining moment illustrating this surge was when Nebraska Huskers hosted Omaha Mavericks before a crowd exceeding 92,000 spectators-setting a new global attendance record for any women’s sporting event and highlighting extraordinary fan enthusiasm.
Versant’s Strategic Expansion into Women’s Sports Broadcasting
This media rights acquisition represents Versant’s second major sports deal ahead of its planned spin-off from Comcast in 2026. Earlier this year, Versant secured a six-year agreement worth roughly $95 million annually with the United States Golf Association (USGA), underscoring its dedication to premier sports content delivery.
Matt Hong, president of sports at Versant, expressed confidence in their collaboration with LOVB: “We see immense prospect not only within this league but across volleyball as it gains momentum nationally.” He emphasized that pooling resources will accelerate growth and deepen audience engagement across platforms.
Diverse Investments Bolster Women’s Professional Sports Coverage
Apart from volleyball and golf rights, Versant maintains extensive media agreements including over 500 hours annually devoted to LPGA tournaments and upcoming broadcast rights for WNBA games starting in 2026-demonstrating sustained commitment toward elevating women’s professional athletics on mainstream television.
The Evolution of League One Volleyball: From Grassroots to National Spotlight
Established in 2020 with both youth development initiatives and professional competition divisions, LOVB has rapidly become a focal point for top-tier talent featuring athletes who collectively hold more than two dozen international gold medals. The league launched its inaugural professional season earlier this year amid rising national interest among fans.
“Versant’s commitment ensures women’s volleyball receives consistent national primetime exposure that truly honors our athletes’ exceptional skills and passionate supporters,” stated Raquel Braun, chief media officer at LOVB.
