Let’s rewind to last month when Nebraska Volleyball took on Ohio State in a thrilling 3-0 victory on their home turf in Columbus. The atmosphere was electric, with a record-breaking crowd of 4,156 fans packing the Covelli Center to watch the action live. But it wasn’t just the fans in the stands who witnessed the excitement—this monumental match also marked a historic moment in sports broadcasting, as it became the first-ever collegiate volleyball game aired on NBC. And the significance didn’t stop there; with NBC stepping into the volleyball scene, it set the stage for a season packed with over 80 Big Ten matches broadcast on TV. Nearly 68 of those will grace the Big Ten Network, with additional games also reaching audiences through FOX, FS1, and Peacock.

What made the moment even sweeter was the recognition of the Big Ten’s dominance in the sport, which has seen 20 of the last 24 NCAA finals feature a team from the conference. With this surge in popularity, NBC didn’t stop at just one game. The network lined up more must-watch matchups, including Wisconsin vs. Purdue and Penn State vs. Wisconsin, while introducing new rivalries with Oregon and UCLA joining the mix. It’s safe to say that volleyball is taking flight, and now ESPN has jumped into the action with a major championship challenge!

ESPN levels up the volleyball scene!

On November 22, ESPN made a big splash on X, revealing their exciting new venture: the Volleyball Championship Challenge, offering a hefty $10k prize. Their post, with the playful caption, “Time for some bragging rights,” set the stage for a thrilling competition. Meanwhile, Lincoln Arneal, the go-to voice covering Nebraska volleyball for @HIllustrated, echoed the excitement on X, adding, “Another sign of the growth of volleyball: ESPN is hosting an NCAA Tournament bracket challenge.” It’s clear—volleyball is soaring to new heights, and now fans have a chance to get in on the action and stake their claim in this rising sport’s spotlight.

But here’s the twist, according to Avid Bolley: The “Grand Prize” isn’t for the most accurate bracket, instead, it’s a random draw from those who pick the winning team. So, wondering how to dive into the Volleyball Championship challenge? First up, Step 1: Make the picks! It’s the chance to fill out the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship bracket for FREE and pick the National Champion. A person can start by setting up the entry anytime before the postseason field is set. Once the bracket drops on December 1st, jump back in and fill it out.

Just remember, the picks lock in on December 5th, so double-check everything before the big day! Step 2 is all about playing with the squad—whether that’s friends, family, or coworkers. It’s super easy to create a group by hitting the ‘Groups’ tab. The person can go private with a password or keep it open for everyone to join in on the fun. Once they’re in, just hit ‘Invite Friends’ to send the invites in all kinds of ways. And lastly, Step 3: Check the scores!

Once the games kick off, the person can sort their brackets by ‘Highest Score’ or ‘Max Points’ to keep track of their best picks and rise to the top! Talking about rising to the top, how has the volleyball scene managed to captivate so many, reaching new levels of excitement and recognition?

Volleyball’s global growth

Volleyball’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular, transforming from a simple pastime into a global phenomenon. Since its humble beginnings in the United States in 1895, it’s blossomed into one of the world’s most loved sports. From the sun-soaked beaches of Brazil to the packed indoor arenas of Europe, volleyball brings people together, connecting players of all ages and skill levels. Major events like the FIVB World Championships, the Olympics, and the Volleyball Nations League have turned the sport into an international spectacle. And let’s not forget the surge of beach volleyball since its Olympic debut in 1996, adding a whole new dimension to the game with its high-energy, thrilling style.

One of volleyball’s secrets to success? Its versatility. Whether it’s the indoor intensity or the free-spirited vibes of beach volleyball, the sport adapts to any setting, capturing hearts across continents. In places like Brazil, Italy, and Poland, elite players emerge, their passion fueling global tournaments. But it’s not just the pros making waves—youth programs worldwide are playing a major role. With more kids hitting the courts and learning the value of teamwork, agility, and endurance, volleyball’s future is looking brighter than ever. As young players dream of going pro, they’re adding fresh talent to the mix, ensuring the sport continues to grow for generations.

Technology and sponsorships are pushing volleyball to new heights. Instant Casino platforms, for instance, have partnered with major tournaments, bringing a whole new layer of excitement for fans and offering a chance to engage in quick, thrilling games between matches. Meanwhile, high-tech tools like motion sensors and cameras are helping players refine their skills, while broadcast innovations give fans a front-row seat from anywhere in the world.

With major competitions like the Olympics and the FIVB World Championship still lighting up the volleyball scene, the future of the sport is brimming with promise. From better player training to a wider global audience, volleyball is only going up from here.