The Big Ten is launching its inaugural volleyball tournament this November in Fishers, Indiana, the conference announced Thursday.
The Big Ten volleyball tournament marks the first time the conference will determine its champion via a playoff competition, with the top 15 regular-season teams qualifying for the event.
"For the first time in its history, the Big Ten Conference will determine its volleyball champion with a postseason tournament featuring the best volleyball teams in the country," said Commissioner Tony Petitti in a statement. "We look forward to bringing the nation's top talent together for an entire week of exhilarating competition."
The format includes three opening-round matches followed by four second-round contests before the competition progresses through quarterfinals and semifinals. The championship match subsequently takes place on November 25th, with organizers building one off-day into the schedule.
Big Ten volleyball dominates the national landscape, with current programs combining for 22 NCAA DI Championships. They won 12 of the last 20 national titles, while also claiming eight of the nine most-watched college volleyball matches of all time. Six different Big Ten regular-season matches last season drew more than 500,000 viewers across three networks.
The conference has additionally led DI attendance rankings every season since 2007.
"Fishers is a volleyball city, and today's announcement brings us one step closer to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans," said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. "This fall, our city will become the epicenter of Big Ten women's volleyball."
Fishers Event Center opened in 2024 and seats 7,500 fans. The venue serves as home for Major League Volleyball's Indy Ignite.
How to Watch Big Ten Volleyball Next NCAA Season
The 2026 volleyball season kicks off with Big Ten Volleyball Media Day on August 3rd in Chicago.
The schedule also includes the first-ever Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week, culminating in a doubleheader at Wrigley Field on September 6th.
