AVP League Secures National TV Coverage on CBS Sports Network
The AVP League is set to reach a broader audience as it partners with CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) for a weekly two-hour telecast, beginning this Sunday. The coverage will showcase matches from Week 4 of the League, held at the 8,700-seat H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, Texas, just outside Austin. This marks a significant step in the AVP’s efforts to introduce its team-oriented format to mainstream sports fans.
Weekly Coverage Through Playoffs
The agreement with CBSSN ensures that the AVP League will be featured on the network every Sunday until the conclusion of the regular season and playoffs. The first telecast will air from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, with matches from Austin being shown on a tape-delayed basis. The event is scheduled to wrap up an hour before the broadcast ends, allowing for highlights and analysis.
Star-Studded Commentary Team
The matches will be called by a talented trio of commentators:
- Dain Blanton, an Olympic gold medalist and head coach of USC’s dominant beach volleyball program.
- Casey Patterson, a charismatic former pro player.
- Rich Lambourne, a former indoor Olympic gold medalist and seasoned beach volleyball coach.
Blanton, who recently worked with NBC during the Paris Olympics, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the broadcast. Echo Entertainment, the AVP’s long-time media partner, will produce the telecasts. Future weeks may feature additional AVP regulars like Kevin Barnett and Camry Irwin.
Weekend Matchups in Austin
This weekend’s competition features four teams:
- Austin Aces (2-2)
- Palm Beach Passion (1-3)
- LA Launch (1-3)
- Brooklyn Blaze (1-3)
The highlight of the telecast will be the Saturday night showdown between the Aces’ Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss, and the Passion’s Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson, the reigning Olympic silver medalists. The broadcast may also include highlights from other matches, depending on time constraints.
Streaming and Archiving
For fans unable to catch the live action, the AVP has a comprehensive streaming plan:
- The first match on Saturday between the Blaze and Launch will be streamed live on the Bally Live app and ballylive.com.
- The Aces-Passion match will air exclusively on CBSSN.
- Sunday’s matches will be archived on the AVP’s free YouTube channel after the CBSSN telecast.
Expanding the Fan Base
The AVP League’s team-based format aims to attract casual viewers by offering a structure more familiar to mainstream sports fans. While the first three weeks of the League primarily reached die-hard fans through streaming platforms, the partnership with CBSSN represents a significant opportunity to grow the audience.
The AVP has already seen success with its broadcast partnerships earlier this year. The Manhattan Beach Open finals on the Ion channel drew an average of 299,000 viewers, while the Chicago Heritage Series finals on The CW Network averaged 215,000 viewers. These numbers highlight the potential for the AVP to expand its reach through traditional television.
Looking Ahead
As the AVP League continues to gain traction, the collaboration with CBSSN is a pivotal move in bringing beach volleyball to a wider audience. With a mix of elite competition, engaging commentary, and accessible streaming options, the AVP is poised to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Tune in this Sunday to catch the action and witness the next chapter in the evolution of professional beach volleyball!
