The landscape of sports is changing, and women sports are taking the lead in 2024. On January 24th, Pro Volleyball Federation will begin its inaugural season.
The league will begin with just seven teams in major markets around the country. Thirty-five players were drafted in the league first draft with Texas Longhorns star Asjia O’Neal going number 1 overall. O’Neal is the daughter of NBA legend Jermaine O’Neal and lead the Longhorns to back-to-back National Championships.
The Pro Volleyball Federation will be the first league to share revenue with its players from the beginning. This addition to the list of American sports leagues is huge for women’s athletics overall.
Many great college volleyball players took opportunities to play overseas because the U.S. did not offer a pro league. Additionally, the U.S. market has been known to not pay pro women athletes a livable wage.
It’s a reoccurring topic for the WNBA. A league that has seen many of its best athletes play overseas due to the lack of a livable wage. Unfortunately, the WNBA is still dealing with the harsh reality that they have yet to turn a profit in its 27-year history.
Pro Volleyball Federation will be the third professional volleyball league in the U.S.
Pro Volleyball Federation Investors
Although the league is just getting started, the Pro Volleyball Federation has a few notable investors.
- Jason Derulo (Pop and R&B Star)
- Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback)
- Danny White (Omaha Businessman)
- Dan Devos (Orlando Magics Owner)
- Trent Dilfer (Former 2002 Baltimore Raven Super Bowl Champion Quarterback)
- As the league grows so will the interest from other future investors.
CBS Sports Media Rights Deal
CBS Sports is the first media company to partner with Pro Volleyball Federation. The league signed a 10-match deal that will be aired in 2024. Additionally, CBS Sports will also hold the rights to the league’s semifinals and championship games according to Sportico.
