The NCAA beach volleyball championships are about to kick off in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with USC and UCLA being the dominant teams historically. USC, the five-time champion, and UCLA, the two-time winner, are the favorites for this year's championship, with USC holding the No. 1 seed. However, Florida State is a team to watch as well.

By the Numbers
  • 17 teams are competing in the NCAA beach volleyball championships
  • The tournament will feature five pairs competing for each team, with each pair ranked one through five
Yes, But

Pepperdine, Florida State, and UCLA have all been runner-ups in the tournament, showcasing competitiveness beyond USC and UCLA.

State of Play
  • USC and UCLA are the only schools to have won the NCAA beach volleyball championship
  • The tournament follows a single-elimination format, adding pressure on teams to perform consistently
  • The championship matches will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, with every pair playing in each dual streamed on ESPN+
What's Next

The tournament will run from May 3-5 at Gulf Shores, Alabama, culminating in the National Championship match on Sunday, May 5.

Bottom Line

While USC and UCLA dominate the NCAA beach volleyball scene, the 2024 championship presents an opportunity for other teams to challenge their reign, adding excitement and anticipation to the competition.