Watch Hawai'i vs Long Beach State Big West Finals with Kanoa Leahey on ESPN+ – UK Viewing Guide

The highly anticipated Big West Championship finals pit top-seeded University of Hawai'i against second-seeded Long Beach State on 26 April 2026 at 01:00 UK time, streaming live on ESPN+ for US viewers and accessible via ESPN Unlimited with geo-restrictions. UK and global fans can catch the action from the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California, where Hawai'i aims for its fifth OUTRIGGER Big West title, having triumphed over Long Beach State in three of their four previous championship clashes, including 2019[1].

While British channels like BBC, Sky, ITV or TNT are not broadcasting this NCAA Men's Volleyball showdown, the match is available on Spectrum Sports Hawaii locally and primarily through ESPN+ in the USA, making it a prime pick for dedicated volleyball enthusiasts worldwide. For those in the UK, VPN services may help bypass geo-blocks to tune into ESPN+, ensuring you don't miss this pivotal clash in the race to the NCAA Tournament.

Leading the commentary is seasoned broadcaster Kanoa Leahey, a Honolulu native and staple of Hawaii sports media. Leahey, whose family has deep roots in island athletics—his father was a legendary coach—has covered University of Hawai'i sports for decades, including stints on radio and TV. His energetic style and insider knowledge make him the perfect voice for Rainbow Warriors games, often blending local flavour with national appeal. Joining him as co-commentator is Chris McLachlin, a respected volleyball analyst whose expertise stems from years analysing college and pro circuits, providing tactical breakdowns that elevate the viewing experience.

This finals matchup renews a fierce rivalry, with Hawai'i holding a strong 3-1 edge in Big West title games against Long Beach State[1]. Earlier in the 2026 season, the Rainbow Warriors dominated with a five-set thriller on 20 March followed by a sweep on 21 March, exposing Long Beach State's vulnerabilities after a strong start[2][7]. Hawai'i, boasting a 19-3 record early on, controlled pace and hitting efficiency, as seen in their 25-18, 25-23, 25-20 victory[2]. Long Beach State, ranked No.2 at times, has shown resilience, notably advancing past UCLA in prior NCAA stages[5], but faces a stern test from the top seeds.

The Bren Events Center showdown at 5:00 p.m. PT promises high-stakes volleyball, with both teams vying for automatic NCAA bids. Hawai'i's home-like support from travelling fans could echo their past successes, while Long Beach State's athleticism—honed in tough Big West openers—keeps them dangerous. Viewers can expect Leahey and McLachlin to dissect key players, drawing on Leahey's career covering everything from football to volleyball for Spectrum Sports and CBS Sports, and McLachlin's sharp insights from national broadcasts.

NCAA Men's Volleyball has surged in popularity, with the Big West often producing tournament contenders. Hawai'i's quest for a fifth crown builds on their storied programme, while Long Beach State's schedule includes marquee clashes like UCLA[5][9]. For more on the Big West Conference, visit bigwest.org.

Don't miss this 01:00 UK time thriller—set your alarms for ESPN+ coverage with Kanoa Leahey and Chris McLachlin calling the action. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this finals encapsulates college volleyball's intensity and drama.

Article generated: 26 April 2026, 01:02 GMT