Wisconsin's Kelly Sheffield is thrilled about the new Big Ten volleyball tournament set to start in 2026. The inaugural event will take place on November 20 in Fishers, Indiana, marking a significant milestone for the conference.
Key points
First Big Ten volleyball tournament starts in 2026
Event scheduled for November 20 in Fishers, Indiana
Kelly Sheffield excited about the tournament's impact
Then the timeline accelerated with a recent meeting.
“A few months ago, they presented a plan for the start of 2027, and we all said, ‘Man, the plan looks great,’” Sheffield said. “‘We’re excited about it. We’re so excited about it. Can you make it happen in 2026?’ And they took a big gulp.”
The Big Ten, after its big gulp, made the big idea happen in time for 2026. The first-ever conference volleyball tournament will begin on Nov. 20 in Fishers, Indiana. It’s a big reason for excitement, too, ahead of Sheffield’s 14th season at the helm of the Badgers.
“I think it’s something that our players are going to be very excited about,” Sheffield said. “I think our fans are going to get excited about it. I think the media will be. … It’ll be some of the best teams in the country just going at it for a title that means a lot.”
The Big Ten’s inaugural volleyball tournament will be Nov. 20-25 after the Big Ten regular season and well before the NCAA tournament, with a conference title (and automatic bid) at stake.
“I really like our players feeling this win-and-advance, lose-you’re-done going into the NCAA tournament as well,” Sheffield said. “There’s something to play for.”
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets for middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Q&A
When will the first Big Ten volleyball tournament take place?
The first Big Ten volleyball tournament is scheduled for November 20, 2026.
What did Kelly Sheffield say about the new Big Ten volleyball tournament?
Kelly Sheffield expressed excitement about the tournament, noting it will energize players, fans, and media alike.
Where will the Big Ten volleyball tournament be held?
The tournament will be held in Fishers, Indiana.
Why is the Big Ten volleyball tournament significant for Wisconsin?
The tournament represents a major milestone for the Big Ten and provides an opportunity for top teams, including Wisconsin, to compete for a prestigious title.
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Marquette outside hitter/right side Caydence Doolan (4) dives to try to save a deep ball against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette right side Allie Beers (6) hits against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin libero Kirsten Simon (7) receives a serve against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette outside hitter Emma Parks (10) attacks against the block of Wisconsin middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) and outside hitter Madison Quest in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) tries to save a ball in a spring match against Marquette on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette setter Luanna Markus (3) sets against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin middle blocker Jaela Auguste (4) celebrates a point against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette outside hitter Carson Tyler (20) hits against the Wisconsin middle blocker Jaela Auguste (4) and setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin players celebrate a set victory against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette defensive specialist Calli Kenny (5) leans over a table to try to save the ball against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) attacks against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette outside hitter Carson Tyler (20) tips the ball against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette players celebrate a set win against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin middle blocker Kymora Scott (88) attacks against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette defensive specialist Avery Helms (24) passes the ball against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin outside hitter Audrey Flanagan (22) receives a serve against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette defensive specialist Annika Kowalski (14) serves against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin outside hitter Halle Thompson (67) attacks against Marquette outside hitter Emma Parks (10) and Marquette middle blocker Julia Stanev (1) in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette head coach Tom Mendoza watches the action against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette outside hitter/right side Caydence Doolan (4) blocks against Wisconsin outside hitter Halle Thompson (67) in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) serves against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marquette outside hitter Carson Tyler (20) hits into the block of Wisconsin middle blocker Jaela Auguste (4) in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) attacks against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets for middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets for middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette outside hitter/right side Caydence Doolan (4) dives to try to save a deep ball against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
3 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette right side Allie Beers (6) hits against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
4 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin libero Kirsten Simon (7) receives a serve against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
5 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette outside hitter Emma Parks (10) attacks against the block of Wisconsin middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) and outside hitter Madison Quest in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
6 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) tries to save a ball in a spring match against Marquette on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
7 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette setter Luanna Markus (3) sets against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
8 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin middle blocker Jaela Auguste (4) celebrates a point against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
9 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette outside hitter Carson Tyler (20) hits against the Wisconsin middle blocker Jaela Auguste (4) and setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
10 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin players celebrate a set victory against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
11 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette defensive specialist Calli Kenny (5) leans over a table to try to save the ball against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
12 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) attacks against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
13 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette outside hitter Carson Tyler (20) tips the ball against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
14 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette players celebrate a set win against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
15 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin middle blocker Kymora Scott (88) attacks against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
16 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette defensive specialist Avery Helms (24) passes the ball against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
17 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin outside hitter Audrey Flanagan (22) receives a serve against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
18 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette defensive specialist Annika Kowalski (14) serves against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
19 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin outside hitter Halle Thompson (67) attacks against Marquette outside hitter Emma Parks (10) and Marquette middle blocker Julia Stanev (1) in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
20 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette head coach Tom Mendoza watches the action against Wisconsin in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
21 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette outside hitter/right side Caydence Doolan (4) blocks against Wisconsin outside hitter Halle Thompson (67) in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
22 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) serves against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
23 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Marquette outside hitter Carson Tyler (20) hits into the block of Wisconsin middle blocker Jaela Auguste (4) in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
24 / 24
Marquette hosts Wisconsin in spring volleyball match
Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) attacks against Marquette in a spring match Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The format, Sheffield said, will be very similar “if not identical” to the 15-team Big Ten women’s basketball tournament. (That tournament also has 15 teams, with the top nine teams receiving a bye and the top four teams receiving a double-bye.)
“I think the intention is to have an off day in there somewhere,” Sheffield said. “Historically, you look at a conference that has done very, very well in the NCAA tournament, and we didn’t want to sabotage ourselves for that.”
Theoretically based on the women’s basketball bracket, one of the top four teams would need to win three matches to claim a conference tournament title. Those three wins, barring any upsets, would be against three of the top eight teams in the conference.
“We’ve got a great product,” Sheffield said. “The regular season of the Big Ten has been great. It’s been very compelling for a long time. So if you’re going to give up three matches, you want to make sure that you get this right.”
Of course, a nearly week-long conference tournament leaves one fewer week for the Big Ten regular season. The conference is cutting the 20-game slate to 17 games, and teams will play each other one time in a single round-robin. (Had that format been in place in 2025, that would have meant one fewer match against Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.)
Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield talks to players during a timeout in a spring match against Marquette on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield talks to players during a timeout in a spring match against Marquette on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Sheffield is a fan of the Big Ten’s venue of choice, as well – the Fishers Event Center in Fishers, Indiana. He experienced the venue as a spectator for the Indy Ignite’s franchise opener (and supporter of the UW alumni involved in that match) and left with a good first impression.
“It’s a fabulous facility,” Sheffield said. “It’s a really, really neat facility. It’s in a volleyball-crazed area. The schools that have the largest fan bases in our conference – it’s drivable or an easy, quick flight. … I’ve already been getting text messages of people that live in the region that are fired up to go and watch that.”
Sheffield’s friends will not have to wait long either after the Big Ten staff’s big gulp and adjustment to make the tournament happen in 2026.
“Which is further proof of just how important our sport is to the conference,” Sheffield said.
