The Big Ten Conference announced on Apr. 16 that it will hold its first-ever postseason volleyball tournament from November 20-25, 2026, at the Fishers Event Center. The event marks a significant change for Washington Volleyball and other conference teams, who will compete for the Big Ten championship through a new tournament format.
The introduction of this tournament is important because it brings together top programs in collegiate volleyball to determine the conference champion through direct competition. This move aims to enhance excitement among fans and athletes while showcasing high-level play in one location.
Commissioner Tony Petitti said, “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. We look forward to bringing the nation’s top talent together for an entire week of exhilarating competition culminating in the crowning of the inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament Champion.”
The top 15 teams based on regular-season standings will qualify for this event at Fishers Event Center, which opened in 2024 and can seat up to 7,500 fans. The center is also home to Major League Volleyball’s Indy Ignite. Tournament play begins with three opening-round matches followed by four second-round games before moving into quarterfinals and semifinals, ending with a championship match on November 25. One off day is scheduled during the week-long event.
To accommodate this new format, the regular season schedule will decrease from twenty matches to seventeen using a single round-robin system. Details about television coverage and ticket sales are expected later.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said, “Fishers is a volleyball city, and today’s announcement brings us one step closer to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans…We can’t wait to welcome passionate fans and outstanding student-athletes to Fishers for what promises to be an incredible showcase of the sport.” Indianapolis has previously hosted several other Big Ten championships across different sports.
Looking ahead, media day for Big Ten Volleyball is set for August 3 in Chicago ahead of an anticipated season that includes new events such as a doubleheader at Wrigley Field during Challenge Week.
