Professional Volleyball Coming to John Cook Arena in 2027

The nation’s best volleyball is coming to the best volleyball venue, as John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center will host two professional volleyball matches in 2027, bringing both of the country’s premier professional leagues to Lincoln.

Major League Volleyball (MLV) kicks things off on Sunday, Feb. 28, when the Omaha Supernovas face the Los Angeles Thunder. LOVB Nebraska will host a League One Volleyball (LOVB) Pro match in late March, with the opponent, match date and start time to be announced as part of the league’s full 2026-27 schedule release. 

“Nebraska supporters stay connected to our players long after their final collegiate match,” Nebraska head coach and LOVB Nebraska ambassador Dani Busboom Kelly said. “These matches give Husker Nation an opportunity to support our alumnae in the next chapter of their careers and appreciate the level of skill and competition they bring to the professional game. Having them back on this court is something our entire volleyball community can celebrate.”

Four teams, two leagues and two must-see matchups give Nebraska fans another chance to watch the sport’s top professionals up close, including six former Huskers: Rebekah Allick (LOVB), Merritt Beason (MLV), Leyla Blackwell (MLV), Lindsay Krause-Wildeman (LOVB), Jordan Larson (LOVB) and Lexi Rodriguez (LOVB).

“Volleyball is part of the fabric of Nebraska, and the fans here have played an enormous role in shaping the sport,” said John Cook, co-owner and general manager of the Omaha Supernovas. “The Supernovas are building on that tradition at the professional level, and being involved with MLV gives me an opportunity to help grow the game for the next generation. Bringing these two teams to Lincoln is a great way to celebrate the people who have supported volleyball for decades and the athletes continuing to raise its level.”

For LOVB Nebraska, the March match brings its statewide mission to one of the most celebrated volleyball venues in the country.

“Nebraska has helped set the standard for what volleyball can be in this country, earning its identity as the State of Volleyball,” said Kirsten Bernthal Booth, co-owner and president of business operations for LOVB Nebraska. “With four decorated Husker alumnae and athletes who have competed on the world’s biggest stages, we have an opportunity to build on that foundation and give people across Nebraska a professional team to call their own. Playing in Lincoln is part of that commitment, and we’re excited to bring LOVB Nebraska to a community that has given so much to this sport.”

Ticket Information
-    Omaha Supernovas vs. Los Angeles Thunder (Feb. 28): Fans can secure early access to purchase tickets for the Omaha Supernovas vs. Los Angeles Thunder match by signing up today at www.mlvb.com. Presales begin November 4, with tickets on sale to the general public on November 12.
-    LOVB Nebraska vs. OPPONENT TBA (Date TBA): Presale begins Wednesday, Nov. 18, with public sales beginning later that day. Become a LOVB Nebraska season ticket holder to guarantee tickets and secure the best available seats. For tickets and information about the 2026-27 season, visit lovbneb.com.

About Major League Volleyball
Major League Volleyball (MLV) is the premier professional volleyball league in the United States, designed to provide the sport and its athletes with the major league platform they deserve. Founded on a player-first philosophy, MLV combines elite competition, significant investment in athlete development, experienced professional sports ownership, and a commitment to the long-term growth of volleyball across the country. As the league enters its fourth season in 2027, MLV has expanded to 12 teams from coast to coast in some of the top media markets in the nation. It will continue to create top-level, lasting opportunities and memories for players, coaches, and local communities while leading the way in solidifying the future of professional volleyball in North America. For more information, visit MLVB.com and follow the league on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube. 

About League One Volleyball
League One Volleyball (LOVB, pronounced “love”) brings Olympic medalists, NCAA champions and All-Americans to professional courts across the United States through its 10-team women’s league, LOVB Pro. Launched in 2025, LOVB Pro features 23 Olympians, including 13 medalists with a combined 25 Olympic medals, alongside athletes whose collegiate careers produced 121 All-American honors and 29 NCAA championships. Built from the club level up, LOVB connects professional competition with a nationwide grassroots network of more than 27,500 athletes, 3,800 coaches, 2,800 teams and 111 locations. Through its connected youth, club and professional model, LOVB invests in player and coach development, strengthens local volleyball communities and expands opportunities to pursue the sport from the first club team to the professional stage. For more information, visit LOVB.com.