ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference will usher in a new era of collegiate volleyball this fall with the launch of its inaugural tournament Nov. 20-25, 2026, at Fishers Event Center, home of Major League Volleyball's Indy Ignite, the conference announced Thursday.
The top 15 teams in the regular-season standings will qualify for the tournament, bringing the nation's premier volleyball programs together in one venue for the first time.
Three matches will be played in the opening round of the tournament, followed by four second-round matches. The competition will then progress through the quarterfinals and semifinals, culminating with the championship match slated for November 25. One off day will be built into the tournament schedule.Â
The Big Ten regular-season schedule will decrease from 20 to 17 matches, in a single, round-robin format to account for the tournament. Television designations and ticket information will be distributed at a later date.
"I'm genuinely thrilled about the addition of a Big Ten Volleyball Tournament," said head coach Chris Tamas. "After years of watching our athletes pour everything into the regular season, having our own conference championship event feels like the perfect way to crown a true Big Ten champion on the court. This also adds balance to a rigorous conference schedule. This is exciting for our program, our players, the entire conference, and the sport of volleyball."
Read the Big Ten's full release HERE.
