What Is 2016 AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour

Overview

The 2016 AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour marked the 33rd season of elite professional beach volleyball in the United States. Organized by the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), the tour showcased top American teams competing in high-stakes matches across coastal and urban venues.

This season emphasized player development and fan engagement, introducing structural changes to boost competitiveness and viewership. The tour attracted Olympic medalists, collegiate standouts, and international stars, reinforcing its status as the premier domestic beach volleyball circuit.

• 11 tournaments were held across the U.S., starting with the AVP Chicago Open on June 10–12 and concluding with the AVP Championships in Huntington Beach on September 4–5.
• The Manhattan Beach Open, the tour’s most prestigious event, celebrated its 60th anniversary and awarded $75,000 to the winning team.
• For the first time, the AVP implemented a new qualification system, allowing more teams to enter through open qualifiers and ranking points.
• Kerri Walsh Jennings returned from maternity leave and partnered with Brooke Sweat, winning three events including the Manhattan Beach Open.
• The AVP partnered with ESPN to broadcast 10 events live, increasing national visibility and drawing record digital streaming numbers.

How It Works

The 2016 AVP Tour operated under a restructured competition model designed to balance elite performance with broader athlete participation. The season combined invitational main draws with open qualifying tournaments to determine entrants.

• Tournament Structure: Each event featured a 32-team main draw and a 16-team qualifier. Top 16 teams received direct entry based on AVP rankings, while others earned spots through open tryouts.
• Scoring Format: Matches used rally scoring to 21 points, with a cap at 15 in the third set. Teams needed to win by at least two points, up to a 23-point cap.
• Prize Distribution: Total purse per event averaged $100,000, with 60% allocated to the top 8 teams and the winner receiving $25,000 at major stops.
• Ranking System: The AVP used a rolling points system where results from the past 12 months determined seedings and qualification for the next season.
• Player Eligibility: Teams had to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, though foreign players could participate in open qualifiers with limited main draw access.
• Team Composition: Each team consisted of two players with no substitutions; partners remained fixed throughout the season unless injury waivers were approved.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2016 AVP Tour with previous seasons and international circuits:

The 2016 AVP Tour expanded in scale compared to 2015, adding two more events and increasing media coverage. While prize money remained modest compared to the FIVB’s global circuit, the AVP focused on domestic growth and Olympic preparation ahead of Rio 2016.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was pivotal for American beach volleyball, bridging the gap between national development and international competitiveness. It served as a proving ground for athletes aiming to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team.

• Olympic Preparation: The AVP Tour provided critical match experience for Kerri Walsh Jennings and April Ross ahead of their Rio 2016 bronze medal performance.
• Grassroots Growth: Open qualifiers allowed emerging athletes from college programs to compete against professionals, increasing talent pipeline depth.
• Media Expansion: ESPN’s increased coverage brought beach volleyball to over 5 million viewers, boosting sponsorship interest.
• Gender Equity: Equal prize money was awarded to men’s and women’s teams, reinforcing the AVP’s commitment to parity.
• Urban Accessibility: Hosting events in cities like Chicago and New York helped expand the sport beyond traditional coastal hubs.
• Injury Comebacks: Walsh Jennings’ return after childbirth inspired broader conversations about athlete longevity and maternity in sports.

The 2016 AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour not only elevated the sport’s profile domestically but also reinforced the U.S.’s leadership in elite beach volleyball, setting a foundation for future seasons.