Volleyball in the USA: Rising from the Sidelines to the Spotlight

While the United States has long been recognized as the global epicentre of sports, with its major leagues in basketball, football, baseball, and hockey drawing athletes from around the world, there’s another sport that’s slowly but surely making its case for a prominent place in the American sporting landscape – volleyball.

Often overshadowed by its high-profile counterparts, volleyball is on the cusp of stepping into the limelight, and there are compelling reasons why it deserves its time in the sun.

First and foremost, the United States volleyball team is basking in the glory of their recent Olympic gold medal triumph. After being the bridesmaid in 2008 and 2012 with silver finishes, they finally ascended to the top of the podium in the 2020 Olympics by delivering a dominant performance against Brazil, winning in straight sets.

This historic victory not only marked a watershed moment for U.S. volleyball but also positioned them as formidable contenders to defend their crown in the upcoming 2024 Olympics.

Secondly, the sport of volleyball has showcased its potential to draw massive crowds in the United States. An extraordinary moment unfolded when a staggering 92,003 enthusiastic spectators packed Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium to witness the Cornhuskers triumph over the Omaha Mavericks. This record-breaking attendance, achieved on a historic August night, was a significant milestone in women’s sports, echoing the fervor typically reserved for football games, NCAA Final Fours, or even the Super Bowl.

Notably, this remarkable feat shattered the previous record for attendance at an NCAA volleyball game, underscoring volleyball’s capacity to attract sizable audiences. This newfound appeal suggests that for businesses seeking to engage with sports, volleyball offers an avenue to garner significant attention.

Thirdly, the sport’s future in the United States appears brighter than ever, thanks to a 2022 survey conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations. The survey revealed that volleyball ranks as the second most popular sport among female high school students. This revelation signifies a continuous influx of young talent who are not only passionate about volleyball but also poised to take their skills to the collegiate level and beyond. The growing enthusiasm at the high school level promises a strong talent pool for the future of American volleyball.

Fourthly, there is a noticeable surge in the establishment of professional volleyball leagues in the United States, further fueling the sport’s ascent. Initiatives like Athlete’s Unlimited, League One Volleyball (LOVB), and the Pro Volleyball Federation are driving this growth. Athlete’s Unlimited, now entering its third season, has captured considerable attention with its innovative format, while LOVB has secured substantial funding, indicating the increasing investment in the sport.

Also, the Pro Volleyball Federation has garnered significant interest, including an investment from musician Jason Derulo. Furthermore, it has attracted top-tier talent such as Jenna Rosenthal, Leah Edmond, Sarah Sponcil, and Megan Courtney, who have signed contracts to participate in the inaugural tournament.

The surge in professional volleyball extends beyond leagues to team expansion. Several squads, including the Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Orlando Valkyries, Omaha Supernovas, and Atlanta Vibe, are set to participate in these burgeoning leagues. Moreover, a Dallas-based team is scheduled to join the fold in 2025. This expansion signifies not only the sport’s growth but also the increased opportunities for athletes to pursue their passion and careers in professional volleyball.

In conclusion, volleyball is experiencing a golden era in the United States. With its recent Olympic success, record-breaking crowds, high youth participation, and the emergence of robust professional leagues, the sport is primed to shine brightly in the American sports landscape.

It’s an exciting time to get involved, whether as a fan, supporter, or promoter, and to be part of volleyball’s promising future. As the sport continues to grow and thrive, it’s clear that volleyball deserves its moment in the well-deserved limelight of American sports.