The AVP has announced a series of exciting updates for the 2026 beach volleyball season, introducing a longer calendar, restructured competition tiers, and several brand-new host cities. These changes reflect the League’s ongoing commitment to enhancing both player development and fan engagement.
New Host Cities
Three cities will make their debut as AVP tour stops in 2026:
- Belmar, New Jersey
- Aspen, Colorado
- Las Vegas, Nevada
These fresh additions will join existing fan-favorite locations such as Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and Chicago.
Expanded Contender Events
The number of Contender events, designed for emerging talent, is increasing. In 2025, there were five such events. That number rises to eight Heritage Contender events in 2026, giving more athletes a platform to ascend to elite competition tiers.
Laguna Open Upgraded
In a significant shift, the Laguna Open has been promoted from a Contender event to a full Heritage Tournament Series. It now stands alongside hallmark tournaments like the Manhattan Beach Open and Huntington Beach Open, underscoring its rising prestige and influence in the beach volleyball scene.
Longer Season Duration
The 2026 AVP season will last longer than previous years. Instead of starting in May and concluding in September, the action will begin in April and extend through October. This means more matches, more cities, and more opportunities for fans to catch their favorite teams in action.
Looking Ahead
With the League format entering its third year, the AVP aims to offer a deeper, more connected experience for athletes and fans alike. Ticketing information is expected to be available in the coming weeks.
For the full update and official announcement, visit the AVP website.
