LOVB Austin middle blocker Molly McCage spikes the ball in a match against LOVB Houston at H-E-B Center in Texas. Versant, a Comcast spinoff, secures a multiyear media rights deal to exclusively air League One Volleyball matches on USA Network. The deal reflects the growing popularity of women’s sports, particularly volleyball. Terms were not disclosed.

Versant’s USA Network will air LOVB’s “Match of the Week” in primetime every Wednesday. The deal includes playoff and championship matches. Versant’s president of sports, Matt Hong, expressed excitement about the growth potential of LOVB and the sport of volleyball. The deal is Versant’s second sports rights agreement, following a deal with the USGA.

The agreement with LOVB adds to Versant’s portfolio of women’s sports rights, which includes LPGA and future WNBA media rights. The deal provides LOVB with national primetime coverage, significantly increasing viewership. LOVB’s chief media officer, Raquel Braun, praised Versant’s commitment to showcasing women’s volleyball at a high level.

Volleyball has seen a surge in participation at all levels. Court volleyball participation rose by 6.7% in 2024, while high school volleyball reached a record high of over 479,000 girls involved in the 2023-24 season. College volleyball also experienced a spike, with the 2024 Women’s NCAA Volleyball Tournament being the most consumed ever for ESPN.

LOVB, which features a youth and professional league, was established in 2020. The professional league, which boasts players with 23 combined gold medals, began its inaugural season in January. Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal, which owns CNBC, plans to spin off Versant, which would then become the new parent company of CNBC.

Read more at CNBC: Versant, League One Volleyball strike multiyear media deal