Pro Volleyball Federation launches with first match in Omaha: How to watch, what are teams

Volleyball fans will be served a helping of professional sports this year and the foreseeable future.

The Pro Volleyball Federation tips off on Wednesday for the league's inaugural season. Women's volleyball has seen tremendous growth in recent years as was evidenced by the Nebraska Cornhuskers' volleyball team breaking the world record for most attendance at a women's sports event. In 2021, the United States won its first gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

The league has lots of star power backing it, including Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer, multiplatinum singer Jason Derulo, and volleyball star and four-time Olympic medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings.

Pro Volleyball Federation CEO Jen Spicher left her 30-year career in corporate America to be a part of the leadership team of the league.

When is the first match for the Pro Volleyball Federation?

The inaugural season for the Pro Volleyball Federation starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday when the Omaha Supernovas host the Atlanta Vibe at CHI Health Center. A representative for the league said more than 10,000 tickets were sold for the match as of Tuesday afternoon. The venue has a capacity of 17,000.

The first week also includes a match between the Columbus Fury at the Grand Rapids Rise serving at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday. On Friday, the Atlanta Vibe take on the Orlando Valkyries at 7 p.m. ET.

How to watch the Pro Volleyball Federation?

Pro Volleyball Federation matches will air on WatchStadium and Bally Live Now.

Spicher said that the league is set up to share revenue from media rights with its players, which is a rarity in professional sports.

The first week's broadcast schedule is as follows:

Omaha Supernovas vs. Atlanta Vibe — 8 p.m. ET Wednesday on Stadium

Grand Rapids Rise vs. Columbus Fury — 7 p.m. ET Thursday on Stadium

Orlando Valkyries vs. Atlanta Vibe — 7 p.m. ET Friday on Bally Live

What is the Pro Volleyball Federation?

The Pro Volleyball Federation is a professional volleyball league that launches in 2024. Its formation was announced in November 2022.

There are seven teams in the inaugural season: Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Omaha Supernovas, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo and Vegas Thrill. Three expansion teams from Indianapolis, Kansas City and Dallas will join in the 2025 season, bringing the total to 10 teams.

The league emphasizes offering a livable wage for its players so that they can play professionally in their home country. Hundreds of American athletes play in countries including Greece, Brazil and Japan.

Per Spicher, the base contract for a player in the Pro Volleyball Federation is $60,000, which is $2,500 per match. There are incentives for position accolades and playoff bonuses.

There are 35 players that have been on a national or Olympic team, including 17 from the United States national team. The players average 4.5 years of professional experience. Dilfer's daughter Tori Dilfer-Stringer is a member of the Vibe.

In December, the Pro Volleyball Federation held its first five-round draft where 35 college athletes were selected. The No. 1 overall pick was Texas' Asjia O’Neal, who was drafted by the Fury and signed a contract with the team. She is one of 30 players who were drafted and signed with a franchise.

What other volleyball competitions are in the United States?

The Pro Volleyball Federation is a partner with USA Volleyball, the organization that is home to the United States national team, which competes in global tournaments and the Olympics. The team seeks to defend its first gold medal at this summer's Paris Olympics.

Athletes Unlimited is a sports league that offers a shorter season with adjusted rules meant to empower athletes and create more action. Besides volleyball, the organization also hosts leagues for basketball, softball and lacrosse.

League One Volleyball (LOVB) is another volleyball league that is introducing a professional level this fall. The regular season is expected to start at the top of 2025. LOVB Pro will play with teams in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Madison, Omaha and Salt Lake. Each team will be linked to the local club volleyball program.

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