The University of Nebraska vs. Omaha volleyball match made history on August 30, 2023. A record 92,003 people packed Memorial Stadium in Lincoln to watch a regular-season volleyball match, the largest crowd ever to attend a women’s sporting event worldwide. This moment broke records and barriers, paving the way for a historic surge in women’s volleyball’s popularity and impact.
Currently, volleyball in the United States is not only a schoolyard or seasonal college sport, but it also defines a wave in youth. It created a national movement, which ushered in every level, from high school courts to sold-out NCAA finals and the beginning of elite professional leagues like the Pro Volleyball Federation and the newly formed Major League Volleyball. This league firmly establishes a women’s volleyball landscape in American sports, thanks to growing participation, a massive audience, and large-scale dollar investment.
Youth Volleyball Soars: more than 300,000 girls registered in 2023
In 2023, over 333,000 junior girls registered with USA Volleyball, representing a 9.2% increase and the highest membership growth in more than two decades. This growth is evident in the rapid expansion of volleyball clubs nationwide. Volleyball clubs have also grown nationwide, with total USA Volleyball membership reaching 408,000, a 9.5% increase over the previous year. This growth is not limited to girls alone; boys and adult divisions have all expanded significantly.
According to the NFHS report, volleyball has surpassed all other girls’ participation in teams as the highest among high school students. “ We are currently seeing participation in youth (as well as) high school levels that are at an all-time high. With camps, youth clubs, and high schools, we see a very saturated market filled with a wide variety of talent.” Jordan Miller, head coach at North Central College, confirms these booms.
The dynamic growth is fueling at a higher level. The number of young people enrolled in colleges across the country is increasing. The craze is not limited to players, but fans are more invested than ever. Volleyball is no longer a development sport but an aspiration.
Pro Volleyball Leagues: next stage of growth
As the sport’s popularity grows, more and more professional volleyball leagues spring up. In 2024, the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) was introduced with seven teams across the U.S., including clubs in San Diego, Orlando, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Omaha, and Atlanta. These teams were emerging with strong media attention because of their packed stadiums, which were highlighted in sports commercials. Furthermore, Dallas joining in 2026 shows PVF already establishing roots in a major market.
The excitement is not limited to this; other major leagues will introduce Major League Volleyball (MLV) in January 2026. This league has already secured $100 million in funding and plans to put up with 10 elite teams across states like California, Minnesota, and Florida. This league will focus on athlete mental and physical strength by providing top-tier coaching, athlete wellness, and large-market competitions. Major networks will broadcast all the games from the pro arena, providing an excellent stadium experience and a virtual audience.
However, volleyball legend Kerri Walsh Jennings summed it up best, “Our sport deserves the best of the best .. this is the league I would have wished to play in.” It shows that American talent no longer has to go overseas to play professionally. PVF and MLV have turned volleyball into mainstream entertainment, thanks to streaming success, rapid sponsorship growth, and record attendance.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Redefining Women’s Volleyball
As women’s volleyball has grown in popularity, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have done more to shift the conversation around women. The record-breaking game against Omaha was more than just a regional spectacle; it marked a watershed moment in women’s sports. It proved that the right platform and investment eventually grab the attention of fans and draw them in massive numbers into the stadium.
Moreover, the momentum continued through the postseason. In 2024, the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament had 1.3 billion minutes watched across ESPN platforms—a 41% increase from 2023. The tournament, a clash between Penn State and Louisville, drew 1.3 million viewers, which ranked it among the most-watched volleyball games in U.S. history.
Furthermore, the dominance of Nebraska boosted the program nationwide and sparked passion far beyond Lincoln. John Cook, the former head coach of Nebraska, once remarked, “It is pretty surreal that this is all happening.” This statement reflects the strength and increased prominence of sports. Women’s volleyball is not only thriving, but it is also carrying on a tradition.
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