Versant, the Comcast spinoff set to launch as a standalone company in 2026, has secured a multiyear media rights deal with League One Volleyball (LOVB), marking another major step into women’s sports. Under the agreement, Versant’s USA Network will broadcast the league’s “Match of the Week” every Wednesday in primetime at 8 p.m. ET, along with the playoff and championship games. The deal underscores the growing momentum of volleyball in the U.S., where participation and viewership have been climbing steadily.
Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. ESPN also retains broadcast rights to LOVB, ensuring the league has a broader national footprint. Versant executives described the partnership as an investment in the rapid growth of the sport, noting the shared vision between the companies to elevate volleyball’s visibility and expand its fan base.
This marks the second major sports rights deal for Versant. In August, it announced a six-year partnership with the United States Golf Association, valued at roughly $95 million annually. Versant has also built a strong lineup of women’s sports programming, with more than 500 hours of LPGA coverage each year and future rights to the WNBA beginning in 2026. Adding LOVB further strengthens its women’s sports portfolio, giving the league prime exposure on a national broadcast platform.
For LOVB, founded in 2020, the agreement provides consistent primetime coverage at a moment when volleyball is experiencing unprecedented popularity. Participation in court volleyball grew 6.7% in 2024, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, while high school volleyball reached an all-time record with over 479,000 girls competing in the 2023–24 season.
College volleyball has also surged. The 2024 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament was the most-watched in history, with 1.3 billion minutes consumed across digital platforms. Viewership for the tournament overall rose 41% compared to the prior year. In 2023, Nebraska’s match against Omaha set a milestone with more than 92,000 fans in attendance, the largest-ever crowd for a women’s sporting event.
LOVB’s professional league began its inaugural season in January, featuring athletes who collectively hold 23 gold medals. The league also includes a nationwide youth program, reflecting its commitment to growing volleyball from the grassroots to the professional level. With Versant’s new deal, LOVB gains a powerful partner to amplify the sport’s presence and highlight the talent of its athletes on a consistent, national stage.
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