Omaha Professional Volleyball Team Launches, LOVB, A Promising Competition with Exciting Things Ahead
Introducing the New Volleyball Team
The new professional volleyball team, LOVB Omaha (pronounced “love”), will officially debut and play its first match on Friday in Houston. This is part of League One Volleyball, a six-team professional league that promises thrilling games for fans. With support from USA Volleyball and prestigious investors, LOVB Omaha is on a rapid growth trajectory.
League One Volleyball: A Promising Tournament
The Significance of League One Volleyball
League One Volleyball is an emerging professional league aimed at boosting the growth of women’s volleyball in the United States. Established through collaborations with many influential figures in the sports world, this league not only offers opportunities for athletes but also provides an exciting platform for fans. LOVB has raised over $135 million through two fundraising campaigns, highlighting significant interest from investors. Notable names like Billie Jean King, Candace Parker, Kevin Durant, and Lindsay Vonn have joined as investors, creating a major boost for the league.
LOVB Omaha: A Fresh Start
The Omaha volleyball team is not just about talented players but also includes several former standout athletes like Justine Wong-Orantes, who expressed her eagerness to start the season. Wong-Orantes stated, “I feel like we all can’t wait to get started and get this league up and running.” LOVB was founded in 2020 with the goal of building a network of youth volleyball clubs and gradually advancing toward a professional league. The appearance of the Omaha team marks an important milestone in this process.
Other Professional Teams in the League
The tournament includes six professional teams: Omaha, Madison, Wisconsin, Austin, Texas, Houston, Salt Lake City, and Atlanta. Each team boasts talented players with the potential to create surprises during the season. Wong-Orantes mentioned that the league aims to capitalize on the volleyball interest in college towns like Madison and Austin. This strategy will help promote the sport’s growth in these areas, where there is a strong foundation.
Season Ending Plans
The season will end with a tournament in Louisville to crown the champion. Wong-Orantes emphasized: “This league is very strategic, like positioning specific markets and cities.” Hosting the Final Four in Louisville will be a perfect blend, drawing significant attention from fans.
Former Huskers Players
The Omaha team will feature several former Huskers players, including Jordan Larson, a member of the U.S. Olympic team. Wong-Orantes said, “It’s incredible for her, her story, and the fact that she’s a native Nebraskan.”
First LOVB Omaha Match Schedule
LOVB Omaha’s first home match will take place on Friday, January 24, against Madison, and on Saturday, January 25, against Austin. The matches will be held at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, also known as Ralston Arena. At the end of the season, Omaha will play at Baxter Arena.
Omaha Supernovas: A Different Volleyball League
Interestingly, another professional volleyball team, the Omaha Supernovas, will also begin their season on Friday in the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF). This team was founded by singer Jason Derulo and entrepreneur Danny White and will face off against Atlanta Vibe in their debut match.
Additional Tournament Information
The Supernovas will begin the 2025 season against Atlanta Vibe, which will take place at CHI Health Centre in Omaha and may be televised on Nebraska Public Media at 7 PM Central Time. This presents a fantastic opportunity for volleyball fans in Omaha to watch their local team. In PVF, several prominent players have been selected, such as Merritt Beason, chosen first by Atlanta, and Norah Sis, picked third by Orlando Valkyries. The Omaha team also signed several former Huskers players, including Lindsay Krause, Ally Batenhorst, and Kayla Caffey.
The Return of the Baten Horse
Batenhorst returns to Nebraska after transferring to Southern California this season, creating an opportunity for her to showcase her talents with the Supernovas. Creighton setter Kendra Wait will also play for the Supernovas, strengthening the team.
A New Chapter Begins
LOVB Omaha is kicking off a new chapter in the history of professional volleyball in the U.S. With support from major investors and a talented player roster, this team promises to deliver thrilling and intense matches for fans. Omaha volleyball fans will have the unique chance to follow not just one, but two professional teams this season.
The growth of women’s volleyball in the U.S. is gaining momentum, and LOVB Omaha, alongside the Supernovas, will be key players in this journey. Stay tuned for the upcoming exciting matches and show your support for the Omaha teams!
