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Volleyball is experiencing unprecedented popularity across the United States, becoming a prominent feature of the national sports landscape. This increasing interest spans from junior leagues to professional play, signaling a vibrant future for the sport in America.
Unprecedented Growth
According to USA Volleyball (USAV), the governing body for the sport in the U.S., the 2022-23 season saw a significant uptick in participation. Membership increased by an impressive 9.6%, reaching 408,000 members (playing in an organized competition) across all levels of play, genders, and age groups. This growth is a testament to volleyball's expanding appeal and accessibility.
Junior Women's Membership: Saw a growth of 9.2%.
Junior Men's Membership: Increased by 9.7%.
Adult Membership: Ended the season with an 11.6% increase.
These figures underscore the sport's widespread popularity, reflecting a dynamic and engaging community.
Volleyball: A Leading Sport for Girls and Boys
Volleyball is currently the number one team participatory sport for girls in high school and college in the United States. Moreover, boys' high school volleyball has seen a 40% increase in participation since 2017, making it the fastest-growing high school sport in the country. This growth highlights the sport's inclusivity and its ability to engage a diverse range of athletes.
The Professional Arena: A Work in Progress
As mentioned last week, the development of professional volleyball in the U.S. is also gaining momentum, with leagues such as Athletes Unlimited, the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF), and League One Volleyball (LOVB) providing platforms for top players to showcase their talents domestically. This progression elevates the sport's profile and offers exciting opportunities for athletes to pursue volleyball as a career within their home country. That also assembles an excellent opportunity for organizations to add a new sport to their portfolio.
The Impact of Collegiate and Beach Volleyball
The NCAA has been instrumental in promoting volleyball, mainly through the explosive growth of men's volleyball at the Division III level and the sanctioning of college beach volleyball teams for women. Introducing beach volleyball as an NCAA-sanctioned sport has added a new dimension to collegiate athletics, further enriching the volleyball landscape.
Women's volleyball, in particular, has seen a significant rise in popularity, surpassing men's volleyball in some aspects, thanks to the growth in viewership, sponsorships, and the establishment of professional leagues like the Women's National Volleyball Association (WNVBA). These developments highlight the sport's increasing prominence on the international stage.
Conclusion
The surge in volleyball's popularity in the United States is a testament to its accessibility, inclusivity, and the burgeoning opportunities it offers athletes at all levels. As volleyball continues to grow, from preschool youth programs to professional leagues, it cements its place as a major sport within the U.S. sports industry, promising an exciting future for players and fans alike. This skyward trajectory of volleyball underscores its vital role in shaping the sports industry's landscape, promising continued growth and engagement for years to come.