League One Volleyball (LOVB) is still in its early chapters, so figuring out how to watch can be tricky. The 2026 campaign marks the league’s second professional season, building on a successful debut and a massive footprint in youth volleyball. All six teams are stacked with Olympic medalists and top collegiate stars, helping define what a premier U.S. pro league looks like.
The 2026 LOVB Pro season runs from January through April, culminating in a revamped postseason. Each team plays 20 regular-season matches using a traditional home-and-road model. This gives us dedicated venues in each market and a consistent weekly national broadcast window.
Where things get complicated for viewers is that LOVB’s TV coverage spans multiple platforms. Matches rotate across ESPN, USA Network, and Victory+, creating a tricky mix of linear TV and streaming apps that isn’t always easy to navigate. I created this guide to clear up the confusion, laying out exactly what’s confirmed and how to keep track of every LOVB game as the league grows in 2026.
What channels show League One Volleyball?
For the 2026 season, League One Volleyball airs across multiple platforms, with USA Network, ESPN, and Victory+ serving as the official broadcast partners.
- USA Network airs a signature “Match of the Week” every Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET, beginning January 14. This is the league’s primary national slot and will also host the postseason semifinals and championship series.
- ESPN2 and ESPN+ will carry 28 additional matches, including the Week 1 broadcast of Atlanta at Austin on January 11. ESPN+ is also the exclusive home of the LOVB Classic, the league’s mid-season tournament in February.
- Victory+ (a free, digital-first streaming platform) will host 20+ live matches, along with shoulder programming and on-demand replays.
2026 LOVB TV schedule
The 2026 LOVB Pro campaign spans from the January 7 opener to the April 18 championship. Each of the six teams will play 20 regular-season matches—10 home, 9 away, and one neutral-site contest at the LOVB Classic in Kansas City.
Rather than listing every single match here, I’ve highlighted the key dates you need to mark on your calendar. For the complete day-by-day slate, head over to the official LOVB schedule page.
| Event | Date | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Season Opener | Jan. 7 | USA Network |
| Match of the Week | Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET | USA Network |
| LOVB Classic | Feb. 13–15 | ESPN+ |
| Semifinals | April 10–12 | USA Network, ESPN2, Victory+ |
| Championship Series | April 16 & 18 | USA Network |
Data effective as of post date.
Heads up! USA Network’s “Match of the Week” broadcast will take a brief hiatus in mid-February for the Winter Olympics.
Best TV plans for watching League One Volleyball
If your goal is to follow the 2026 League One Volleyball season from start to finish, you’ll need a live TV plan that includes USA Network and ESPN2. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DIRECTV are ideal because they carry both channels in their base plans and include unlimited cloud DVR.
To complete the setup, you’ll need a standalone ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited subscription to access ESPN+. These plans unlock 28 matches this season, including the mid-year LOVB Classic. But before you pay extra, check your live TV provider, as services like Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV often include ESPN Unlimited access at no additional cost.
Finally, Victory+ will carry 20+ matches and additional LOVB content. As a free streaming platform, it’s accessible via connected-TV apps and web browsers without a subscription.
How to watch League One Volleyball for free
Watching LOVB Pro for free in 2026 is possible, and honestly, the options are better than I usually see for major leagues. Since matches air on cable channels and streaming platforms, you won’t find them on an over-the-air antenna, but you still have solid paths to watch without paying. Here’s how to do it.
- Victory+: This is your best friend for free coverage. The Victory+ platform streams over 20 live matches (plus replays and highlights) completely free.
- Free trials: Use trial periods from services like DIRECTV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV, which include USA Network and ESPN2.
- Public venues: Don’t underestimate the local vibe. Sports bars or community centers in LOVB cities may show matches on their screens.
While you might need a subscription to see every serve, LOVB offers far more free access than most competitors. Between the extensive Victory+ slate and a strategic free trial or two, you can catch plenty of high-level volleyball without spending a dime.
How to watch League One Volleyball FAQ
How many teams are in League One Volleyball?
The 2026 LOVB Pro season features six founding franchises: LOVB Atlanta, LOVB Austin, LOVB Houston, LOVB Madison, LOVB Nebraska (Omaha), and LOVB Salt Lake. Each team plays a 20-match regular season schedule.
Can I watch LOVB replays on demand?
Yes. Replays are available through the ESPN and Victory+ apps, depending on the match. For matches on USA Network, you'll need a live TV service with DVR capabilities to record them for later viewing.
Who are the LOVB TV announcers?
LOVB has assembled a star-studded broadcast team for 2026. Courtney Thompson (World Champion and NCAA Champion) serves as the lead analyst alongside play-by-play commentator Shelby Coppedge (former Division I volleyball player). Across ESPN and Victory+ broadcasts, you'll also hear from Kevin Barnett, Nicole Branagh, Rich Burk, Salima Rockwell, Kevin Wong, Anne-Marie Anderson, Camryn Irwin, Ci Michel, and Alan Obrador.
Can I watch League One Volleyball in Spanish?
Currently, there are no dedicated Spanish-language telecasts confirmed for the 2026 season. However, the broadcast team includes bilingual analyst Alan Obrador, suggesting Spanish-language content may be added in the future.
