What a time to be alive it is for volleyball fans! While the collegiate season is yet to begin, there’s certainly no shortage of action right now either. With two professional leagues happening side-by-side, fans are almost finding it hard to keep up with everything that’s happening. However, that’s not the only difficult part of following the almost relentless matches. Instead, the community isn’t too happy with how the PVF (Pro Volleyball Federation) has chalked out its broadcasting and scheduling plans.

The PVF kickstarted its journey with a massively successful inaugural season in 2024. Naturally, the hype to see how things get better this year was sky-high. On top of that, new broadcasting deals signed by the PVF ahead of its second season only promised wider exposure for volleyball. But the talk isn’t seeing the walk, and fans are fuming.

The official Indy Ignite Pro Volleyball X account shared the starting lineup for its next match against Colombus Fury scheduled at the Nationwide Arena on January 18. In the social media post from the same day, it was also revealed that the match would be streamed on the CBS Sports Network at 10.30 pm. And that didn’t sit well with the fans, especially since the live action is set to go down at 7.00 pm EST.

Indy Ignite won both of its first two matches against the Orlando Valkyries (3-1) and the Grand Rapids Rise (3-0) on January 11 and 16, respectively. Justifiably, the fans are eager to see if the team will be able to snatch the PVF trophy from the reigning champs, the Omaha Supernovas. But the broadcasting situation has irked the volleyball community, and it isn’t shy about speaking its mind either.

Many fans clamored that this wasn’t the way to go, as watching the match being streamed hours after it actually happens takes away most of the thrill of watching it live. “this might be the dumbest thing ive seen??” grumbled one fan page on X while commenting how the PVF should reconsider its broadcasting scheme. Soon, more complaints started flowing in.

Volleyball fans aren’t amused by PVF’s management of the show

PVF’s first run was a titular success. The second season was projected to be even bigger. To show its intentions to make volleyball an even more popular sport, the Pro Volleyball Federation also recently signed broadcasting deals with CBS, Fox, and Roku, with claims of bringing 45 nationally televised matches via the three networks. FS1 and FS2 were also announced as the broadcasting partners for the pro volleyball league, which only added to the excitement of the fans. But now, with the confusing broadcasting details, fans justifiably aren’t happy. “Growing the game while also making it impossible to watch…right,” frowned one such fan, who doesn’t seem to find any coherence between what PVF promised and what it’s doing.

“No live match but live highlights??? Make it make sense,” commented another baffled volleyball fan. Last December, PVF extended its network multifold, which was seen as an incredible opportunity for the fans to watch their favorite collegiate volleyball stars blossom into pro athletes. But the streaming of the matches at a later time than the actual action is making the fans dumbfounded. Another fan thought this is exactly why getting a special subscription to watch the games makes no sense. “Who ever has a subscription to that, anyway?” sounded the fan’s curious question.

Another fan is equally flabbergasted trying to understand what the PVF is trying to achieve through its actions. “So, so dumb. I’m truly floored,” the fan was left with no clue as to what to make of the CBSSN’s streaming options. Considering how the USA currently has two professional volleyball leagues, another fan is pondering if PVF’s rival is going to run away with the popularity contest. “LOVB >>>> PVF,” asserts the fan, who might be looking to jump ship soon. How do you think the Pro Volleyball Federation can retain its dominant position among American fans? Tell us your suggestion below!