• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 19, 2025

Women’s Volleyball Continues to Draw Major Media Interest

  • ESPN will broadcast this year’s Athletes Unlimited volleyball season.
  • ESPN said the matches “will complement its coverage of NCAA women’s volleyball at the same time of year.”
JADE HEWITT / ATHLETES UNLIMITED

ESPN has enjoyed multiple years of increased ratings for its women’s college volleyball coverage — and as a result has expressed interest in renewing its deal in the future.

In the meantime, however, ESPN is investing in a professional version of the game.

On Tuesday, ESPN and Athletes Unlimited announced they have signed an exclusive media deal to broadcast this year’s 30-match volleyball season, which will appear on ESPN+ and ESPN networks. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“ESPN’s coverage of Athletes Unlimited Volleyball in the fall will complement its coverage of NCAA women’s volleyball at the same time of year,” a joint statement said.

  • Athletes Unlimited launched in 2020 to create women’s sports leagues where team rosters rotate every week, and one player is crowned champion based on a point system. 
  • The organization currently runs four sports. In both basketball and softball, athletes earned an average of five-figures each.

ESPN previously partnered with Athletes Unlimited to broadcast lacrosse and softball, but this year marks its first foray into AU Volleyball, which is entering its third season.

Athletes-Unlimited

Athletes Unlimited Receives $30M to Fund Women’s Leagues

Investors include Kevin Durant’s 35V, Angela Ruggiero, and David Blitzer.
September 29, 2022

In the offseason, Athletes Unlimited will also combine forces with several top college programs, creating a spring “exhibition tour” where a group of star players will visit 15 teams including Ohio State, Texas, and Penn State.

“Volleyball is clearly gaining in popularity, both in terms of participation as well as fan interest at all levels,” Director of Sport for Athletes Unlimited Volleyball, Cassidy Lichtman, said in a statement. “It’s amazing to see industry leaders like ESPN recognize the value of the sport and invest in its future.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

IndyCar driver Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood, left, celebrates winning the Detroit Grand Prix with team co-owner Dan Towriss in Detroit on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss Defends  $700 Million Apple Deal

“We’re going to have a bigger reach than what people think.”
Apr 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of an NBA basketball and backyard and NBA logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Tries to Solve Fragmentation Issue It Helped Create

A new “Tap to Watch” feature will direct fans to live games.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Second place Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) sprays champagne on winner Mercedes driver George Russell (63) at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

Apple Officially Taking F1 Rights From ESPN in $700M Deal

ESPN has broadcast F1 in the U.S. since 2018.
Mar 12, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of ESPN broadcast camera during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.

ESPN’s New NBA Segment Resists Hot Takes

LeBron James tweeted in favor of the new segment.

Featured Today

@chef__tezz/Instagram

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance, balancing science, taste, and the demands of professional football.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Hansi Flick

Barcelona Players, Coach ‘Not Happy’ About Miami Game

La Liga is on the verge of relocating a December match.
WNBA
October 16, 2025

WNBA Says All-Star Game Will Return to Chicago Next Year

The league’s CBA expires in two weeks.
October 16, 2025

NHL Expansion Fee Soars to $2B As League’s Value Surges

The buy-in price for the league will more than triple.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 15, 2025

NHL Raises Concerns Over 2026 Olympic Arena’s Delayed Construction

The commissioner says construction progress in Italy remains a deep concern.
Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Amalie Arena.
October 14, 2025

Dawn Staley Says NBA Far From Ready to Hire a Female Head..

South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach interviewed with the Knicks.
October 14, 2025

Cavaliers Go All In, Lead NBA With Record $392M Payroll

The Cavs are the only second-apron violator in the NBA.
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and Portland Trail Blazers logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center.
October 13, 2025

NBA Reopens Doors in China—and Eyes the WNBA Next

The Mavericks and Rockets are set to play games in Macao next year.