NIKE MUSIC CITY VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS SERVE UP NATIONAL JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL ACTION IN NEW ORLEANS FEB 20-22

Competition draws elite athletes from across the country while boosting local youth sports and citywide economic activity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 19, 2026

WHO / WHAT
The 2026 NIKE Music City Volleyball Championships take place February 20-22, 2026, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Established in 2017, the Music City Volleyball Championship is a Girls USA Volleyball (USAV) Junior National Qualifier, drawing elite teams from across the country competing for bids to the Girls Junior National Qualifier at the end of the season. The competition welcomes athletes ages 13 to 18 and serves as a qualifier for all 18s divisions, as well as a qualifier for Liberty division in the 17s-13s age groups, making it a key stop on the national junior volleyball circuit.

Since relocating from Nashville to New Orleans in 2023, the event has experienced sustained, significant growth, including a 46 percent increase in its second year in the city, followed by continued double-digit growth in the years that followed. The event has nearly tripled in size since its inception, with New Orleans playing a key role in accelerating that momentum, reinforcing the city as a family-friendly destination for large-scale athletic competitions and youth-sporting events.

In addition to competition, the championship supports local, youth-sports programs by partnering with high-school athletic programs and their booster organizations to assist with court setup and teardown in place of temporary labor. This model creates meaningful fundraising opportunities while providing a valuable team-bonding experience that directly reinvests in the New Orleans youth-sports community. Schools benefiting from the 2026 competition include Jesuit High School, Brother Martin High School and Slidell High School.

Beyond fundraising opportunities, the championship delivers significant economic impact to the city. The event is expected to attract approximately 29,000 people each day, with athletes comprising about 30 percent of total attendees. Coaches, recruiters, parents and families travel from across the country, spending time dining, shopping, and exploring the city between half-day matches, generating meaningful business for hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and attractions throughout the Greater New Orleans region.

WHO
The 2026 event is expected to welcome approximately 815 teams representing 283 clubs nationwide, including an estimated 9,000 athletes and nearly 15,000 spectators.

WHERE
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (Halls F, G, H, I, J)
900 Convention Center Blvd.

WHEN
February 20- 22, 2026

MEDIA
Local media permitted with prior approval. Media must request credentials in advance by emailing info@musiccityvb.com with organization details and a request for a media pass. Interview opportunities are available with tournament leadership, including the tournament directors and event management team, to discuss national youth sports, recruiting, event growth, and the economic impact of large scale junior athletic competitions.

Music City Volleyball Championship: 
Mackenzie Tichenor, info@musiccityvb.com, 813.468.7116

New Orleans & Company:
Kelly Schulz, kschulz@neworleans.com, 504.421.0962
Rhonda Cook, rcook@neworleans.com, 504.616.6161
 

SOCIAL
Website: www.MusicCityVB.com
Facebook: Music City Volleyball Championship  
Instagram: @musiccityvb  
X: @musiccityvb
Hashtags: #MCVC2026