NCAA Volleyball Championship 2025 Date and Schedule

By Sarah Miller · September 11, 2049

The NCAA volleyball championship for the 2025 season is scheduled to take place from December 18 to December 21, 2025, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The national semifinals will be held on December 18, with the championship match set for December 21.

When Is the NCAA Volleyball Championship?

The NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship is an annual event culminating in a four-team final known as the Women's Final Four. For the 2025 season, the tournament schedule is as follows:

National Semifinals: Thursday, December 18, 2025
Championship Match: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Missouri

This single-elimination tournament begins with 64 teams competing in regional matches starting in late November, narrowing down to the Final Four in mid-December.

Tournament Structure and Format

The NCAA volleyball championship follows a structured progression across several rounds:

Key Tournament Stages

First & Second Rounds: Held November 28–30, 2025, at campus sites
Regionals (Sweet 16 & Elite 8): December 4–7, 2025, hosted at 4 regional locations
Women’s Final Four: December 18 & 21, 2025, in Kansas City

All matches are single elimination, with the winners of each regional advancing to the semifinals.

How Teams Qualify for the NCAA Tournament

Selection into the NCAA tournament involves both automatic qualifiers and at-large bids:

Automatic Qualifiers (32): Conference champions from eligible leagues
At-Large Bids (32): Selected by the NCAA Selection Committee based on performance metrics
Selection Criteria: Include win-loss record, strength of schedule, RPI (Rating Percentage Index), and quality wins

The selection show, known as NCAA Volleyball Selection Monday, airs live on ESPN in late November, revealing the full bracket.

Recent Champions and Historical Data

Understanding past champions helps contextualize the prestige and competitive landscape of the NCAA volleyball championship.

Year	Champion	Runner-Up	Score	Host City
2024	University of Texas	University of Louisville	3–0	Kentucky, KY
2023	Stanford University	Wisconsin	3–1	Kansas City, MO
2022	University of Wisconsin	Tennessee	3–1	Omaha, NE
2021	Kentucky	Nebraska	3–1	Pittsburgh, PA
2019	Baylor University	Nebraska	3–0	Pittsburgh, PA

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a shift in dominance over recent years, with programs like Texas, Stanford, and Wisconsin emerging as powerhouses. Texas claimed the 2024 title without dropping a set in the final, highlighting their offensive and defensive cohesion. The frequent appearances of Power Five conference teams underscore the importance of regular-season strength and non-conference scheduling.

Where to Watch the NCAA Volleyball Championship

The entire NCAA volleyball tournament is broadcast across ESPN networks:

First & Second Rounds: ESPN+, ESPNU
Regionals: ESPNU and ESPN2
Semifinals: ESPN and ABC
Championship Final: ABC (national broadcast)

Live streaming is available via the ESPN app and website with valid cable authentication or through live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV.

Frequently Asked Questions About the NCAA Volleyball Championship

When is the 2025 NCAA volleyball championship match?

The 2025 NCAA volleyball championship match is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

How many teams compete in the NCAA volleyball tournament?

The NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship features a 64-team single-elimination tournament, including 32 automatic qualifiers and 32 at-large teams selected by the NCAA committee.

Where is the NCAA volleyball championship held in 2025?

In 2025, the NCAA volleyball championship will be held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. This marks the second time Kansas City hosts the event in three years.

How are NCAA volleyball teams selected?

Teams are selected through a combination of 32 automatic bids (conference champions) and 32 at-large bids. The NCAA Selection Committee evaluates teams based on win-loss records, strength of schedule, RPI, and quality wins during the regular season.

What time does the NCAA volleyball final start?

The championship match typically starts at 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). The exact start time for the 2025 final will be confirmed closer to the event but is expected to follow this tradition.