Miroslava Paskova, who will play for LOVB Atlanta in the new season, already knows when and against whom she will take to the court in the USA. After the official announcement of the full League One Volleyball (LOVB) schedule, Paskova and her teammates are beginning their preparation for the start of the campaign, which will be on January 11, 2026.
In the first round, Atlanta visits LOVB Austin at the arenaH-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Texas. This will be a kind of rematch for last season's semi-final, when Austin made a comeback and eliminated Atlanta after a dramatic match remembered by fans for its atmosphere and spectacular play.
Highlights from the announced LOVB schedule
The American professional league LOVB – the project that unites the elite of women's volleyball in the USA – has officially published the calendar for the 2026 season.
The season begins on January 7 in Austin, where the 2025 champions – LOVB Austin – host LOVB Nebraska in the year's first match ("First Serve").
On January 8, the clash between Houston and Salt Lake follows, where the two individual award winners from the previous season – Jordan Thompson (Opposite of the Year) and Manami Kojima (Libero of the Year) – will meet.
On Saturday, January 10, LOVB Madison – led by setter Lauren Carlini and Rio 2016 Olympic champion Siyanyu Gong – will host LOVB Salt Lake.
January 11: Austin against Atlanta – the derby where Miroslava Paskova will debut, while simultaneously Houston visits Nebraska.
Changes and innovations in the 2026 season
Each team will play 20 matches – evenly distributed home and away games.
Every Wednesday evening there will be a "Match of the Week," broadcast live on USA Network, with the first one being Atlanta vs. Austin on January 14.
The playoffs will take place over two weekends in April (April 9–11), and the final will be a two-match series between the semi-final winners.
The LOVB Classic will take place in February in Kansas City and will also include a three-day celebration of volleyball featuring youth teams.
Arenas and Host Cities
| Team | Main Arena | Additional Arenas |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | Gateway Center Arena | - |
| Austin | H-E-B Center | Frost Bank Center (San Antonio) |
| Houston | Fort Bend County EpiCenter | Berry Center |
| Madison | Alliant Energy Center | - |
| Nebraska | Baxter Arena | Heartland Events Center (Grand Island) |
| Salt Lake | SLCC Bruin Arena | - |
This organization of matches demonstrates a targeted strategy by the league to expand its geographical reach and strengthen interest in various regions of the country. Simultaneously, through continuous television broadcasts and a balanced program, the aim is to establish LOVB as the largest professional project in American women's volleyball.
And for Miroslava Paskova, the 2026 season will be an opportunity to establish her name in one of the fastest-growing leagues in the world and to show that the Bulgarian volleyball school can leave a bright mark overseas.
