On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, League One Volleyball, or LOVB, held its inaugural match between Atlanta and Salt Lake City in front of a sold-out crowd in Gateway Center Arena. The new American professional volleyball league has many young athletes excited about the prospects of professional volleyball, as the sport is quickly becoming one of the most popular for girls in the US. In 2024, volleyball was the number one team sport among female high school athletes aged 13-18.
The new League One Volleyball organization has six elite teams competing for the first league championship. Among the six teams, 80% of the athletes play professionally for their nation’s teams – a higher rate than in any other women’s sport.
Salt Lake defeated Atlanta in the first-ever LOVB match, but the score didn’t matter much to the players, coaches, or fans gathered for the history-making night. “It wasn’t just another volleyball match,” Salt Lake coach Tama Miyashiro said following her team’s victory.
“It was an exciting moment for American volleyball and for world volleyball,” Atlanta coach Paulo Coco added. “I’m so grateful to be here and to be a part of this and try to help as I can.”
“I’m excited for all six teams in the league,” Salt Lake setter Jordyn Poulter said after the match. “The growth that will happen from these first matches to the end of the season will be tremendous. There are such high-quality players in this league; every night will be a battle.”
Poulter’s enthusiasm for the league was echoed by pros on all six teams. League One Volleyball has already set itself apart from other professional women’s sports leagues. All the athletes playing for the league are considered LOVB employees, meaning they earn a stable income and have insurance year-round. The league also has a strong youth program, Youth League One Volleyball, which can function as an effective professional pipeline for young volleyball stars who, just 15 years ago, had no prospects for playing in a professional US league.
“We’re all hoping that what we’re doing in this first season creates a tidal wave for where this sport is going,” Poulter said. “And where women’s sports are going.”
