AVP 2026: A Lineup That Changes Everything
The AVP 2026 season isn't just another year of beach volleyball. Oh no, it's a seismic shift in the sand. With eight teams and thirty-two athletes ready to battle across nine cities, this season promises to be nothing short of epic. The regular season kicks off in Belmar, New Jersey, on May 30, and if you're not there, you'll regret it.
A Clash of Titans
This year's lineup includes some of the biggest names in beach volleyball. Denaburg and Donlin, fresh off their three-match sweep to claim the League Championship, are the pair to watch. Denaburg's blocking prowess paired with Donlin's relentless defense (and let's not forget her history as the 2023 Manhattan Beach Open Champion) makes them a force on the sand.
And then there's the family legacy. Smith, partnered with Webber, carries not just the weight of the 2025 Championship match but also a name steeped in volleyball royalty. His father, Sinjin Smith, is a Volleyball Hall of Famer and a 1996 Olympian. Talk about pressure!
New Faces, New Rivalries
But it's not just familiar faces. The 2026 roster boasts a new women's pairing that could shake things up. Returning from their 2024 League Championship win, Urango, Budinger, and Evans are back with a vengeance. These athletes aren't just defending their titles; they're redefining what it means to dominate in beach volleyball.



