After years of playing abroad, American volleyball star Chiaka Ogbogu can now showcase her talent closer to home, thanks to League One Volleyball (LOVB). The newly launched professional league offers Ogbogu and other top athletes an opportunity to compete in the U.S. rather than heading overseas. LOVB debuted on January 8, with six teams across the country and ambitious plans to transform volleyball into a major league sport.

Ogbogu, a two-time Olympic medalist and former standout at the University of Texas, spent much of her professional career in Europe, playing for clubs in Italy and Poland. While the experience was rewarding, it left her disconnected from family and friends. “It’s been really hard at times to feel like you have a connection to your family and friends who grew up watching you play,” Ogbogu said. “Now, we have the opportunity for them to watch us play here in our own backyard.”

The league aims to capitalize on volleyball’s growing popularity in the U.S., particularly after the record-breaking NCAA championship between Penn State and Louisville, which drew 2.1 million viewers in December 2024. With Olympic buzz often fading after the games, LOVB provides a platform for fans to follow players beyond international competitions. Ogbogu noted, “It always felt a little unfair that we don’t have a lot of support or excitement outside of the Olympics. Now, fans can follow so many other players who aren’t on the Olympic team.”

LOVB features six teams based in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Omaha, Salt Lake City, and Madison, Wisconsin. Matches will run through April, culminating in the LOVB Finals in Louisville from April 10-13. The league prides itself on its collaborative development process, with founding athletes like Ogbogu heavily involved in shaping its structure. “It’s been really fun to be part of decision-making. It’s cool to see the business side and glimpse what our futures in this sport could look like,” she said.

Beyond competition, LOVB emphasizes an engaging fan experience. From in-venue excitement to broadcast innovations, the league is committed to making volleyball more accessible and enjoyable for audiences. “Fans will love how this league prioritizes not just athletes but the entire fan experience,” Ogbogu explained. As volleyball continues its rise in the U.S., LOVB is poised to establish the sport as a staple in the professional sports landscape.