OMAHA, Neb. — Volleyball has been the No. 1 sport in girls participation in the United States for almost a decade.
More than 90,000 fans showed up for an outdoor match in Nebraska’s football stadium last summer, and the NCAA semifinal and championship matches set attendance and television viewership records.
The next sign of the sport’s evolution in this country was on display Wednesday night when the Atlanta Vibe played the Omaha Supernovas in the debut of the Pro Volleyball Federation.
The PVF is one of three U.S. women’s professional leagues now operating or planned for players who previously had no choice but to go overseas to continue their careers. League One Volleyball is on track to launch in November. The five-week Athletes Unlimited league recently wrapped up its third season.
Tori Dixon, the 31-year-old middle blocker for the Supernovas, has played in Azerbaijan, Japan, Italy and China over seven pro seasons. She said there’s international buzz about the PVF, and former teammates have asked her to help them get a contract.
“Maybe it’s a little less money, but you get to stay home and be comfortable,” Dixon said. “Overseas is a grind. It’s really, really difficult. I think a lot of top players are choosing to stay home in the States.”
Besides Atlanta and Omaha, the PVF has teams in Columbus, Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Omaha Supernovas’ Brook Nuneviller, left, bumps the ball against the Atlanta Vibe during a Pro Volleyball Federation game Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. Credit: AP/Rebecca S. Gratz
Big-name investors
Opening night was everything PVF officials could have wanted. A crowd of 11,624 turned out at the CHI Health Center, and it was treated to a five-set thriller won by the Vibe. Fans were enthusiastic until the end with encouragement from an arena emcee, music between points and high-level play.
“This was breaking ground for a professional volleyball league, and there could have been 800 people and a…
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