Irvine, CA – June 24, 2024 – Less than two months before the Paris Olympic Games, water polo fans will have a chance to get a closer look at the US men’s and women’s teams on Bally Sports. On June 25, the women’s US Olympic team will face Italy in an exhibition match at UC San Diego’s Canyonview Aquatic Center at 9pm Eastern/6pm Pacific. The match will kick off a two-game set between the current Olympic champions and the 2004 gold medalists. Greg Mescall (play-by-play) and Olympic champion Jamie Neushul (analyst) will call the game LIVE from San Diego.
Five days later, on June 30, water polo fans will be able to see how the US men’s Olympic water polo team came together and qualified for the Paris Olympics. “Path to Paris” powered by NAYAD follows the men’s squad from its spring training in 2023 through its gold-medal run at the Pan American Games last fall in Santiago, Chile.
The US vs. Italy women’s showdown will kick off four-game tune-up that includes two subsequent matches against Hungary before the American team heads to Paris. Team USA enters the series against Italy undefeated this year, boasting a 14-0 record. In addition, Team USA won the last three women’s Olympic titles and a record eighth World Aquatics Championship gold medal earlier this year in Doha, Qatar. Head Coach Adam Krikorian announced the 2024 Olympic roster on May 30 in Los Angeles.
Team captain Maggie Steffens said the 13 US players have “a perfect balance,” adding that the team’s youth and first-timers brings a “new perspective,” along with passion, heart, and drive that helps the veterans “reignite that fire.” Meanwhile, she said, “those who have been through this before can share their experience and give a different perspective. That recipe creates what we’re looking for, which is teamwork.”
The US men’s national team has also been active this month, splitting a series with Montenegro last week in Southern California in advance of its three-game set against Spain scheduled to start on June 26. Head Coach Dejan Udovicic revealed the Olympic roster on June 18 in Los Angeles and said the group was the result of years of focused planning.
Before the men’s Olympic team could be selected, however, the US had to earn the right to compete in Paris. “Path to Paris” will introduce several athletes who were part of the qualifying process. It will also highlight Team USA’s road to an Olympic berth, including a visit from Team China and hosting the World Aquatics World Cup.
“We hope this docuseries sheds light on our dedication and love for water polo, inspiring others to pursue the sport,” said two-time Olympian Alex Bowen. “Our journey embodies the resilience, commitment, and camaraderie that define the spirit of water polo.”
Men’s Head Coach Dejan Udovicic added: “In my more than 25-year coaching career, this is one of the most talented teams that I have ever coached. I believe in this team. I believe in my players. It is very exciting that we, as a group, share the same goals. We are united to achieve what we are looking for and I am looking forward to Paris as the best opportunity for us to show out in the best way we can.”
The exhibition match on June 25 will air LIVE on the Bally Sports networks and affiliates listed below.
Bally Sports Detroit Extra
Bally Sports North Extra
Bally Sports SoCal (LA & San Diego)
Bally Sports Southeast
Bally Sports Southwest Extra
Bally Sports Wisconsin Extra
Bally Sports App (available to pay TV and Bally Sports+ subscribers)
MSG Network
For “Path to Paris” on June 30, check your local listings to see when the network in your area will air the program co-produced by Jake Mater and Greg Mescall. Sherie Smith provided additional footage and production support.
About USA Water Polo
USA Water Polo, Inc., is the national governing body for water polo in America, overseeing our United States Olympic program as well as 20 championship events annually, such as Junior Olympics and Masters National Championships. With more than 50,000 members, USAWP also is the sanctioning authority for more than 500 member clubs and more than 400 tournaments nationwide. USAWP is committed to the development of the sport throughout the U.S., fostering grass-roots expansion while providing a national system of affiliated clubs, certified coaches, and officials. For more information, visit www.usawaterpolo.org.
