By now, we know pretty well that Nebraska volleyball fans are among the most passionate in the country. Irrespective of whether the Huskers are playing at the “Bob” or elsewhere, their fans always manage to show up in throngs to rally behind the team. For those who can’t make it to the venue, still make sure to keep their eyes on the TV screen to catch the action from the comfort of their homes. Naturally, when that option to stay updated with the team’s matches comes with an extra burden on their pockets, the fans won’t be taking things lightly.

Dani Busboom Kelly’s team are currently sitting atop a comfortable 14-0 overall (4-0 Big Ten) record. Obviously, fans don’t want to miss a single game in the campaign, which can potentially end the long NCAA drought that has been plaguing the program since 2017. With the Big Ten announcing its plans to nationally broadcast a ton of collegiate volleyball matches this season, it seemed like the perfect time to be a Nebraska fan. But as new terms and conditions come emerged, things aren’t as rosy as they seem.

The official BigTenPlus social media handle took to X on October 8 to share with Nebraska volleyball fans the next match they can watch of the team on the former’s network, which is the Purdue game on October 12. While the news is easily a grand reminder for the fans to mark their calendars, it’s the next part that got on everybody’s nerves: “Watch the Top-15 matchup on pay-per-view for only $5.99!”

Sunday’s match won’t be available for free. And that’s what didn’t sit well with fans. While the accompanying poster mentions that fans who have an existing B1G+ subscription can watch the weekend match using the same, Nebraska volleyball fans who don’t want to spend extra feel they still should be able to watch their sport without having to switch to an exclusive network to do so.

After all, volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, gaining more and more followers every day. On top of that, a lot of that growth has been based on the scintillating program that the Nebraska volleyball team has become. From setting a new women’s sports attendance world record (92,003, set in 2023 during a match between Nebraska and Oregon), to creating some of the most tantalizing stars of the sport in recent history, ex-Huskers’ coach John Cooper almost singlehandedly ushered in a new era in the sport’s collegiate circuit.

Obviously, fans feel like such an incredible team’s matches should be accessible to all, irrespective of whether they have a subscription or not.

Nebraska volleyball fans rip into the Big Ten’s decision

Fans were essentially livid over the fact that the Big Ten Network decided to broadcast the Nebraska vs Purdue match on the B1G+ even though they had the option to watch the match on the regular network that doesn’t require extra pay-per-view payments. “this is theft,” one fan was evidently displeased with the money-making plan of the B1G. “This is not only disgusting. It’s despicable… and shame on the Big Ten,” another Nebraska volleyball fan was way more passionate about their outburst compared to the former.

Just a few weeks ago, former Creighton head coach Kirsten Booth noted her frustration over how D1 volleyball matches can be difficult to watch on TV, and urged for a change where every college match is televised for every fan of the sport. In light of such allegations coming from a volleyball veteran, the Big Ten’s latest revelation only made the fans angrier. “Just put in on regular big ten network!” One fan seemed to reiterate Booth’s take on the matter.

“Why is a Top 15 matchup being banished to B1G+ PPV??” One more Nebraska fan was evidently finding it hard to rationalize the B1G’s move. Well, considering how Dani Busboom Kelly recently confessed to how fans traveled all the way from Colombia to watch the Huskers play, you’d also imagine that more networks would be interested in tapping into that sort of fandom.

Obviously, the idea of heading to the B1G+ network for the Sunday game didn’t amuse the fans. “Way to grow the game morons,” sighed one fan. Do you agree? Drop a comment below to share your take on the debate.