Money Moves: How Funding Is Shaping the Future of Women’s Volleyball
College women’s volleyball has entered a new era of financial ambition. Programs that once operated on modest budgets are now rivaling the spending power of traditional powerhouses in men’s sports. The ripple effect is visible in recruiting, facilities, and fan engagement, and it’s set to accelerate over the next decade.
Why Budget Size Now Equals Competitive Edge
In the 2023‑24 season, the University of Nebraska poured $5.91 million into its women’s volleyball program—more than any other school in the nation, according to Sportico’s College Sports Finances Database. That spending translated into a perfect 33‑0 record before a stunning quarter‑final loss to Texas A&M.
Contrast that with the Aggies, who generated just $288,000 from ticket sales—still enough to keep them in the top‑10 for expenses at $3.75 million. The gap shows that smart investment can level the playing field, even for programs that don’t command the same ticket‑gate revenue.
Emerging Revenue Streams: From Ticket Sales to Digital Rights
Traditional gate receipts remain vital, but programs are diversifying:
- Streaming partnerships: ESPN’s recent deal to broadcast women’s volleyball has already boosted average viewership by 36 % year‑over‑year.
- Merchandising: Universities are launching limited‑edition apparel lines that tap into the passionate fan base cultivated on social media.
- Sponsorship packages: Brands like Nike and Gatorade are targeting volleyball’s growing demographic with multi‑year agreements.
These channels not only increase revenue but also raise the sport’s national profile, creating a virtuous cycle that attracts more sponsors and higher‑quality recruits.
The Role of Media & Viewership in Driving Growth
College volleyball’s TV audience is thriving. The 2025 regular season averaged a 36 % increase in viewership, a trend that mirrors the sport’s overall popularity surge. Programs that secure prime‑time slots—like Nebraska’s 92,003‑fan home game at Memorial Stadium—gain national exposure that translates directly into higher ticket sales and stronger donor pipelines.
Pro tip: Align your program’s schedule with “high‑impact” broadcast windows (Wednesday night, weekend afternoon) to maximize exposure and advertising revenue.
Investing in Coaching & Facilities: The Competitive Edge That Pays Off
High‑salary coaching hires signal a program’s commitment. First‑year head coach Dani Busboom Kelly earned a $700,000 base salary at Nebraska—a figure that reflects the university’s intent to stay at the top of the sport. Coupled with state‑of‑the‑art training complexes, such investments improve player development and, ultimately, win‑loss records that attract fans and donors.
Data from NCAA reports show a 22 % correlation between facilities upgrades and a 15 % increase in game attendance within two seasons.
Projected Financial Landscape: What the Next 5‑10 Years May Look Like
Analysts forecast that the top 10 women’s volleyball programs could each exceed $7 million in annual spend by 2035, driven by:
- Continued growth in streaming rights fees.
- Expanded merchandise licensing agreements.
- More aggressive alumni fundraising campaigns.
Even mid‑tier programs are expected to climb into the $4‑5 million range as “digital‑first” revenue models become standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which college women’s volleyball programs spend the most?
- Nebraska tops the list with $5.91 million, followed by Wisconsin ($4.68 million) and Texas A&M ($3.75 million).
- How does increased spending affect on‑court performance?
- Higher budgets enable better recruiting, advanced training facilities, and elite coaching—all of which translate into stronger win‑loss records and deeper tournament runs.
- What are the biggest new revenue sources for volleyball programs?
- Streaming rights, branded merchandise, and corporate sponsorships are the fastest‑growing income streams.
- Is fan attendance still important?
- Yes. Ticket revenue remains a key driver, especially for public FBS schools where gate receipts can rank among the top three for any women’s sport.
Did You Know?
Only one public FBS school—Nebraska—spends more on women’s volleyball than on its women’s basketball program, underscoring the sport’s rapid ascent in the collegiate athletics hierarchy.
What’s Next for Your Program?
Start evaluating the following action items:
- Audit current revenue streams and identify gaps.
- Negotiate flexible digital‑media contracts to capture streaming growth.
- Build a donor engagement plan centered around volleyball’s rising popularity.
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