• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Potential for Women’s Volleyball ‘Untapped’

  • While the sport appears to be overlooked, growth and revenue opportunities are booming at all levels of women’s volleyball.
  • Indoor women’s professional volleyball was ‘probably the largest untapped opportunity in pro sports in this country.’
Athletes Unlimited/Design: Alex Brooks

The NCAA women’s volleyball championship kicked off at the CHI Health Center Arena and Convention Center on Wednesday in Omaha, Nebraska. Before the 48-team field even arrived, coaches criticized the lack of resources at the tournament. Some issues were later rectified — after public outcry. 

While the sport appears to be overlooked, the numbers tell a different story: Growth and revenue opportunities are booming at all levels of women’s volleyball. 

At the high school level, women’s volleyball has grown in popularity, according to the National Federation of State High School Association. It even outperformed women’s basketball in 2018-19 — which demonstrated tremendous value at the college level. 

When college athletes get the rights to their name, image, and likeness, women’s volleyball players can potentially make thousands of dollars annually. Northwestern’s Alana Walker — who has about 115,000 Instagram followers — could earn more than $156,000, according to the Student Athlete NIL newsletter.

Interest in the sport has been so strong that Athletes Unlimited decided to form the only U.S. professional indoor women’s volleyball league. It committed $1 million in salaries, according to Forbes. The 44-player league staged its inaugural season this past February and March. 

The league was broadcast on Fox Sports and CBS Sports Net, and Nike and GEICO jumped in as corporate partners. And it had global viewership: It was picked up in more than 100 countries. 

Indoor women’s professional volleyball was “probably the largest untapped opportunity in pro sports in this country,” Athletes Unlimited CEO and co-founder Jon Patricof told FOS.

For more, read this week’s edition of FOS College.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 20, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks onto the field before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium.

Big Ten Teams Grapple With Long Flights, Time-Zone Hurdles

Coaches across the country are noticing some impact.
Oct 4, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys outside linebacker Poasa Ute (35) and Wendell Gregory (4) celebrate during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.
exclusive

New Bill Aims to Prohibit Athletic Department, Conference Private-Equity Deals

The bill would bar schools from selling ownership stakes.
Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders hug following a game at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

More Health Problems for Deion Sanders As Colorado Slides

Sanders indicated his blood clots have returned.
Cody Campbell

Fox, ABC Reject Ad Accusing Power Conference Commissioners of Greed

Cody Campbell said the ads were pulled after he paid for them.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium

UNC’s Disastrous Season Continues With Report of NCAA Rules Violation

A UNC cornerbacks coach reportedly gave sideline passes to a player’s family.
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium.
exclusive
October 7, 2025

Big Ten Considering Investment From California Pension Fund

Under the proposal, Big Ten would spin assets into a new entity.
Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl.
October 8, 2025

NCAA Revises the Transfer Portal Windows Around Coaching Changes

The exception for coaching changes is shifting.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 7, 2025

NIL Hits Week 1: Auburn’s Atlanta Game Marks Next Step in Player..

The teams will play in the 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game.
Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl.
October 6, 2025

The Improbability of UCLA’s Incredible Upset Win Against Penn State

Before UCLA beat Penn State, donors were deeply unhappy.
Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium.
October 6, 2025

Penn State Has a $50 Million James Franklin Problem

Franklin’s team lost to unranked UCLA on Saturday despite being heavy favorites.
October 5, 2025

CFB’s New Parity Era: Penn State, Texas Top-25 Exits Signal Shift

Penn State and Texas fall entirely out of the top-25 rankings.