The Indy Ignite have commenced their inaugural season of play, being the first and only professional volleyball team in the area.
In January 2024, the Ignite announced its brand and mascot, becoming part of the Pro Volleyball Federation. The PVF is one of two major volleyball leagues in the U.S., the other being League One, another new league that is attempting to start its own professional league according to its website. What sets the PVF apart, the league says on its websites, is that it is an elevated version of the previously existing leagues.
On its site it says “Pro Volleyball Federation operates at a major league level and is advancing a traditional league model with teams in major markets across the country. Our teams play home and road games in major venues and will have rabid fan bases within their home markets.”
According to the PVF’s website, it was founded “Because the time is now for professional volleyball in the United States.” The name ignite is inspired by the ‘burning passion’ the community has for volleyball and the determination to grow the league, according to its website. The Ignite is currently 10-8 on the season and ranked fourth in the league of eight, according to the league standings.
The Ignite played its first game on Jan. 11, 2025 to a sellout crowd at Fishers Event Center, according to Indianapolis Monthly. The event center is the arena for all of the Ignite’s home games after opening in November 2024, according to its site, and now hosts games not only for the Ignite but the Indy Fuel (minor league hockey) and Fishers Freight (indoor football) too. The center also hosted the PVF’s inaugural All-Star Match on Feb. 22 which was the first women’s pro volleyball match ever to be shown on a ‘traditional legacy TV network’ in CBS according to an article released by the Ignite.
The PVF played its inaugural season in 2024 from January to May, hosting the championship game on May 18. The league follows a similar schedule now, wrapping up its season in May again. According to the schedule, the first championship team of the PVF was the Omaha Supernovas. There are now eight teams in the league in total, including teams in California, Nevada, Michigan and Ohio, among others. According to USA Volleyball, the PVF was the first league globally to share its revenue with players from the start.
This season, the Ignite had three players named to the All-Star roster, including setter Sydney Hilley, outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh and opposite hitter Azhani Tealer. Ignite’s next game is on March 30 at the Orlando Valkyries. The game will be available on YouTube TV through CBS Sports.
