Sports Media with Richard Deitsch Why women's volleyball is a booming as a media property
Jan 6, 2026
Courtney Thompson, a two-time U.S. Olympic volleyball player and analyst for USA Network's League One Volleyball, shares her insights on the booming popularity of women's volleyball. She discusses how the league's market choices foster community engagement and why high-profile investors lend credibility. Thompson emphasizes volleyball's growth potential, college fan loyalty, and the upcoming 2028 Olympics in L.A. as pivotal for expansion. Plus, she highlights the increasing youth participation and the evolving landscape of broadcasting in the sport.
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Broadcasting Is About Shared Experience
- Fans want a shared, celebratory experience when watching volleyball on TV.
- Courtney Thompson says showcasing athlete stories and moment-to-moment play creates that connection.
Cities Chosen For Built-In Youth Pipelines
- LOVB targeted cities with strong youth-club ecosystems to build pipelines from youth to pro.
- Owners and locations were chosen for both competitive quality and community connection.
Watching 90,000 Fans Felt Surreal
- Courtney describes watching 90,000 fans at the Nebraska college match as surreal.
- She contrasts the scene to football and highlights Nebraska, Texas, and Wisconsin as volleyball heartlands.