Preseason practice for all Division I women’s volleyball teams can begin on July 31, 2025, based on an NCAA waiver approved today.

As part of the NCAA Division I Committee for Legislative Relief’s blanket waiver, the start date for member institutions will be earlier than normal. It allows all teams to begin preseason volleyball practice on the same date—July 31—and is only applicable for the 2025-26 academic year.

The measure, which is supported by the AVCA, does not extend the playing season beyond the existing 132 days. Since the new start date is not permanent, additional discussions and action on this topic would come through the NCAA Division I Sports Oversight Committee and be reviewed through the NCAA Council-governance process.