The Pro Volleyball Federation is enjoying success in its first season as the premier women’s professional league in the United States. Now, following a decision by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to add the PVF to its sports wagering catalog, fans in the commonwealth can legally wager on matches.
Women’s pro volleyball added as Massachusetts sports betting option
The MGC voted 4-0 last week to add the Pro Volleyball Federation to the list of leagues that can be wagered on in Massachusetts sports betting. DraftKings Sportsbook made the request to the MGC for the addition to the Sports Wagering Catalog, which lists every sporting event that is permitted for odds in Massachusetts.
It’s unclear if DraftKings has provided odds for the league yet. However, several other states (19 according to DraftKings) allow betting on the PVF, which launched its first season in January.
The commonwealth already allows betting on NCAA volleyball, as well as on professional volleyball leagues that operate under the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) in Europe.
MGC Commissioner Eileen O’Brien expressed her satisfaction that professional sports for women were being brought before the MGC for consideration. “I always love to see women’s sports expanding,” O’Brien said. She added that she hopes a team will eventually find a home in Boston.
Jen Spicher, CEO of the PVF, understands that betting is part of the landscape of sports these days. During a recent interview, Spicher said:
“Sports wagering is certainly an engagement for certain kinds of fans. The biggest concern right now is that we want to make sure the integrity of our league is there.”
About the U.S. women’s Pro Volleyball Federation
After being announced in late 2022, the PVF has attracted many of the best female volleyball players in the U.S. This includes several former NCAA All-Americans. In addition, many of the teams have international stars. For instance, Emiliya Dimitrova has played 17 professional seasons in six different countries and now plays for the Grand Rapids Rise.
The first season commenced in January 2024, with seven teams competing across seven states:
- Atlanta (GA)
- Columbus (OH)
- Grand Rapids (MI)
- Las Vegas (NV)
- Omaha (NE)
- Orlando (FL)
- San Diego (CA)
The league will add three teams in Dallas, Indianapolis, and Kansas City next season.
The PVF plays a 24-match schedule across 16 weeks, with playoffs taking place in Omaha this May.
Rules are similar to the prominent international professional leagues, with matches consisting of a best-3-out-of-5 sets format. Rally scoring goes to 25 — except for set five, which goes to 15.
The PVF has taken great consideration into locating solid ownership groups with good arenas and facilities. At least four teams are owned at least in part by individuals who also own professional sports teams, such as MLB and the NFL.
CBS Sports Network has a contract to broadcast 10 matches plus the playoffs, with its first airing occurring in early April. Fans can stream almost every other league match live on YouTube or other services. The first game, played at Omaha’s CHI Health Center in January, welcomed 11,624 fans. This set a new record for attendance for a women’s professional volleyball event in the U.S.
Tickets went on sale to the general public today for the Pro Volleyball Federation Championship, and are available via the league website.
