Nebraska might not have the Chiefs or the Nuggets, but we've got something those big market teams don't: affordable tickets and players who'll actually high-five your kid after the game. From future MLB stars to arena football chaos, the state's professional sports landscape offers year-round entertainment that won't require a second mortgage.
The heavy hitters: Nebraska's major league affiliates
Let's start with the teams that regularly send players to the big leagues and draw crowds that would make some MLB teams jealous.
Omaha Storm Chasers bring Triple-A baseball to Werner Park
The Storm Chasers are Nebraska's closest thing to major league baseball, serving as the Kansas City Royals' Triple-A affiliate since 1969 (back when they were the less meteorologically exciting Omaha Royals). Playing at Werner Park in Papillion, this International League team has become a legitimate destination for baseball fans who want to see tomorrow's stars today.
Werner Park itself is worth the trip. The $36 million facility holds 9,023 fans with a mix of 6,354 fixed seats and grass berms where you can sprawl out with a blanket and actually enjoy a summer evening. The stadium features 14 luxury suites if you're feeling fancy, plus the Prairie Flower Casino Club with an indoor bar for when Nebraska weather decides to be Nebraska weather. Check the full schedule to plan your visit around theme nights and promotions.
Here's the best part about minor league baseball: tickets that won't destroy your budget. Kids can get in for literally one dollar during special promotions. That's less than a candy bar at most movie theaters. Regular tickets range from berm seating to luxury suites, with season packages like the Lil Chasers Club designed specifically for families. You can buy Storm Chasers tickets directly through their website or at the box office.
The franchise has serious pedigree with eight league championships, including their most recent International League title in 2024 when they posted an 89-59 record. If you're wondering whether the talent is legit, consider that Bobby Witt Jr., currently tearing up the majors, was baseball's top prospect while playing here in 2021. The team drew 285,679 fans in 2024, averaging 3,861 per game across 75 home dates. Not bad for a Tuesday night in Papillion.
The 2025 season opens April 1 against Louisville with 150 total games scheduled, 75 at home. Follow along on Twitter @OMAStormChasers or tune in to News Talk 1290 KOIL where Nick Badders calls the play-by-play with the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves their job. Diamond Baseball Holdings purchased the team in September 2024, which basically means professional baseball in Omaha isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Omaha Supernovas: Where volleyball meets rock concert
Remember when people said professional volleyball would never work in Nebraska? Those people are now very quiet. The Omaha Supernovas haven't just succeeded; they've obliterated attendance records and turned CHI Health Center into volleyball's loudest venue.
Playing in the Pro Volleyball Federation (soon to be Major League Volleyball after a merger valued at $325 million), the Supernovas are co-owned by music superstar Jason Derulo. Yes, that Jason Derulo. The one whose songs you definitely know even if you claim you don't. The team plays at CHI Health Center's 18,975-seat arena, though "plays" might be understating it. They perform, they dominate, and they've created an atmosphere that makes college volleyball look subdued.
The numbers are staggering for a sport that supposedly couldn't draw flies professionally. In 2025, the Supernovas welcomed 152,949 total fans, averaging 10,925 per match to lead professional volleyball worldwide. They've set five different U.S. attendance records in a single season. The venue offers 32 private suites and 1,200 club seats for those who like their volleyball with a side of luxury.
But here's what makes this special for regular folks: season tickets start at just $185 for all 14 home matches. That's about thirteen bucks per match to watch world-class volleyball. Single-game tickets run $10-$32, and college students get in FREE with a valid ID in section 110. Get your Supernovas tickets before the bandwagon gets too crowded.
The team isn't just about filling seats. They captured the inaugural PVF championship in 2024, earning a cool million dollars in prize money. Captain Brooke Nuneviller earned 2025 Outside Hitter of the Year honors, while Sydney Hilley claimed 2024 Championship MVP. Despite fielding eight rookies in 2025, they still posted a 21-7 record and won another regular season title. You can catch games on CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports, and YouTube, with three national broadcasts scheduled for 2025. The fanbase calls themselves "NovasNation," and they're rapidly becoming the most entertaining crowd in Nebraska sports not wearing red.
Union Omaha makes soccer matter in football country
Union Omaha has accomplished something remarkable: they've made Nebraskans care about soccer. Not just polite, "oh that's nice" caring, but actual "let's get supporter scarves and learn chants" caring.
Competing in USL League One since 2020, Union Omaha shares Werner Park with the Storm Chasers, maximizing the venue's use across seasons. The ownership group includes Alliance Sports' Gary Green and Larry Botel, with Carson Group's Ron Carson joining in 2024. These aren't just rich guys playing fantasy soccer; they're building something sustainable.
Five years in, the trophy case is already impressive:
- Two championships (2021, 2024)
- Three regular season titles
- First USL League One team to knock out multiple MLS teams
- 2022 U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals appearance
That 2022 Cup run was particularly sweet, as they eliminated Chicago Fire FC and Minnesota United FC before finally falling. For context, that's like your local high school basketball team beating Duke and North Carolina in the same tournament.
Tickets remain refreshingly affordable with berm seating at $10 and club seats topping out at $25. Season memberships and group packages for 20 or more provide even better value. Check Union Omaha tickets for the best deals. The supporter groups (Parliament, Local 119, and the Proud Owls) create an atmosphere that would make European soccer fans nod in approval.
The 2025 season has been challenging with a 4-9-2 record under interim manager Vincenzo Candela, but that's sports. Key players like Pedro Dolabella have moved on to bigger clubs, though goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu remains from the inaugural roster as a fan favorite. Every match streams on ESPN+ with select games hitting ESPN2, making it easy to follow from your couch when you can't make it to Papillion.
The independents: Professional sports without the corporate overlords
Not every professional team needs a major league affiliate to thrive. These organizations have carved out their own niches and built loyal followings.
Lincoln Saltdogs: Independent baseball with extra personality
The Lincoln Saltdogs have been slinging independent baseball since 2001, competing in the American Association at Haymarket Park. They share the 8,600-capacity venue with the Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball team, creating an interesting dynamic where Friday night might be college ball and Saturday afternoon brings the pros.
Founded when the Madison Black Wolf relocated from Wisconsin (because apparently Wisconsin had enough minor league teams), the Saltdogs captured the 2009 American Association championship and reached the 2014 finals. On July 18, 2025, they set a single-game attendance record of 8,325 against Winnipeg, proving that Lincoln loves its baseball even without MLB affiliation.
The beauty of independent baseball lies in its accessibility. Tickets run $12-$21 for most sections, with discounts for children, seniors, students, and military personnel. Kids two and under get in free, because charging toddlers for baseball would be ridiculous. Buy Saltdogs tickets online or at the Haymarket Park box office.
Manager Brett Jodie leads a roster focused on entertainment value and player development rather than feeding a major league system. The 100-game season runs from May through September with 50 home games. Every game airs on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM with Connor Clark bringing the play-by-play energy. Follow them @saltdogsball on social media, where they've won Social Media Team of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. Their Twitter game is stronger than some teams' actual games.
Community programs set the Saltdogs apart from typical minor league operations. The Junior Saltdogs youth league introduces kids to baseball, while Homer's Heroes adaptive baseball program ensures everyone can play America's pastime. It's the kind of community involvement that makes you actually want to support the team beyond just wanting cheap beer and hot dogs on a summer night.
Lincoln Stars: Where future NHL players learn to fight
The Lincoln Stars compete in the United States Hockey League, the nation's top junior hockey circuit for players aged 16-20. Playing at The Ice Box on UNL's Innovation Campus, they accommodate 5,010 fans in an arena where you can literally see the players' breath in the air and feel the hits against the boards.
Since launching in 1996, the Stars have become a legitimate NHL pipeline. Vegas Golden Knights' Paul Cotter and former St. Louis Blues captain David Backes both cut their teeth (sometimes literally) in Lincoln. The franchise captured the 2024-25 Anderson Cup as USHL regular season champions and earned Organization of the Year honors. Not bad for a bunch of teenagers.
Ticket prices make NHL games look like luxury yacht purchases:
- Individual games: $17-$28
- College students: $8.35
- Family 4-Pack: $21.50 (includes meal vouchers)
The "7th Star" season membership program offers the best value for regular attendees. Get your Stars tickets through their official ticketing partner.
From 1996 through early 2002, the Stars sold out every single home game. Every. Single. One. That streak might be broken, but Lincoln's passion for hockey remains intact. The 2025-26 season begins September 17, with home games typically on Friday and Saturday nights from September through April. Follow @LincolnStars on social media or stream games through Hockey TV if you can't make it to The Ice Box.
Coach Rocky Russo arrived in 2021 when Alberto Fernandez purchased the team, bringing stability and a development focus that continues producing professional talent. It's junior hockey at its finest: fast, physical, and filled with players hungry to prove they belong at the next level.
Omaha Beef: Arena football that embraces the absurd
The Omaha Beef hold the distinction of being the longest-running arena football franchise in the United States, entering their 26th season in 2025. Playing at Liberty First Credit Union Arena (formerly Ralston Arena) in front of 4,400 fans, they've created an atmosphere called "The Slaughterhouse" that's exactly as subtle as it sounds.
Everything about the Beef experience leans into the ridiculous in the best possible way. Their mascot Sir Loin roams the sidelines. The all-male "Rump Roasters" dance team exists for reasons that remain unclear but hilarious. The female "Prime Dancers" provide actual dancing talent. It's like someone asked, "What if football, but silly?" and everyone said, "Yes, absolutely."
The football itself is serious business though. Since 2000, the Beef have captured championships in 2021, 2023, and 2024, finishing as runners-up in the 2025 National Arena League championship. Their 24-game winning streak from 2022-2025 ended with a one-point loss to Minneapolis, proving that even the mighty eventually fall.
Arena football means affordable family entertainment:
- Individual games: $12.62-$36
- Omaha Sports Weekend Package: $30
- Group sales: 20+ for discounts
Check out Beef tickets for the full schedule and pricing options.
The NAL features 11 teams in 2025, its largest membership to date. The Beef's 12-game regular season runs March through June, with playoffs extending into July. The "I-29 Rivalry" with Sioux City Bandits highlights the schedule, with Omaha leading the all-time series 31-24. Follow the team on Facebook @theomahabeef or catch away game watch parties at Hurrdat Sports Bar, where the beer is cold and the opinions are loud.
The new kids: Building Nebraska's next sports traditions
These newer teams might not have decades of history, but they're creating their own legacies and filling previously empty niches in Nebraska's sports landscape.
Omaha's Finest brings professional basketball back
Omaha's Finest joined The Basketball League in 2021, marking professional basketball's return to the metro area. Owner Tra-Deon Hollins, a former UNO star who led the NCAA in steals and played in the NBA G-League, built this team with a simple philosophy: basketball should be accessible and impactful.
The team plays at Omaha Central High School's gymnasium, which might sound bush league until you realize it creates an intimate atmosphere where fans can hear the squeaks, the trash talk, and occasionally the coach's colorful vocabulary. Practice happens at Hoffman's Hoops Academy in Gretna, with open tryouts each January for anyone brave enough to test their skills.
The Basketball League operates as a legitimate developmental circuit with over 38 teams nationwide. Players earn $1,500-$6,500 monthly during the February-May season, with over 50% advancing to higher professional leagues globally. It's not NBA money, but it beats your office job, and these guys are playing basketball for a living.
The roster mixes Omaha natives like Tre'Shawn Thurman with players from various collegiate programs, all guided by head coach Eric Behrens, formerly of Central High. The 24-game regular season provides a showcase for players chasing overseas contracts or hoping for a G-League call-up.
Beyond basketball, Omaha's Finest runs youth reading programs and school assemblies, because Hollins understands that professional sports means professional responsibility to the community. The 2025 season opened April 9 against Enid, with games streaming on TBLTV.TV. Follow them on Instagram @official_omahasfinest for behind-the-scenes content and tryout announcements.
Omaha Rebels: Box lacrosse for the brave and curious
The Omaha Rebels represent Nebraska's only semi-professional lacrosse team, competing in the North American Box Lacrosse League since 2019. If you're wondering what box lacrosse is, imagine hockey with a ball, no ice, and somehow more violence. It's Canada's summer sport, and now it's Nebraska's too.
Playing primarily at Off the Wall Indoor Soccer Complex in La Vista, with some games at Lincoln's Icebox Arena, the Rebels have introduced box lacrosse to a region where most people think lacrosse is what you put in your hair. The six-on-six indoor format creates non-stop action that makes basketball look leisurely.
"Redefined" in 2022 with new ownership and structure, the Rebels compete at the Senior A level within NABLL. Tickets cost about $10 per game, purchased through links on their social media pages. The intimate venue setting means you're close enough to hear the impacts and occasionally dodge an errant ball.
The summer season features regional opponents including Minneapolis Box Lacrosse. Players often hold day jobs while competing, embodying the true semi-professional spirit of playing for love of the game and beer money. Follow them on Facebook @omaharebels and Instagram @omaharebelslc using #BleedReb. Contact them at omaharebelslc@gmail.com for group sales or if you're curious about trying the sport yourself.
Your game day survival guide
Planning to check out Nebraska's professional sports scene? Here's everything you need to know to avoid looking like a tourist at your own local teams.
When to go (the seasonal breakdown)
Nebraska offers professional sports year-round, though some seasons are definitely more pleasant than others. Spring and summer bring baseball at Werner Park and Haymarket Park, where you can enjoy a beer in the sunshine while pretending to understand the infield fly rule. Soccer runs March through November, perfect for those who prefer their sports with more running and less standing around.
Winter means indoor action with volleyball (January-May), arena football (March-July), and hockey (September-April). Basketball runs February-May, right when you're desperate for something to watch after football season ends. The Rebels play lacrosse in summer because apparently they enjoy sweating profusely in protective gear.
Getting the best deals on tickets
Here's your ticket-buying priority list for maximum savings:
- Team websites for season packages
- Early bird specials and presales
- Group rates (usually 20+)
- Student and military discounts
- Day-of deals at box office
- Secondary market as last resort
Several teams offer incredible family packages. The Lincoln Stars' Family 4-Pack at $21.50 includes meal vouchers, making it cheaper than taking your family to a movie. The Supernovas literally let college students in free with ID, which might be the best deal in professional sports anywhere.
Most venues offer berm or general admission seating that's perfect for families with kids who won't sit still anyway. The Storm Chasers, Saltdogs, and Union Omaha all have grass areas where your children can roll down hills while you pretend to watch the game.
Where to park without losing your mind
Parking varies wildly by venue, so here's the breakdown:
- Werner Park: Free parking everywhere, arrive whenever
- CHI Health Center: Downtown garages, arrive early
- Haymarket Park: Street parking fills fast, lots available
- Liberty First Arena: Free parking, suburban ease
- The Ice Box: Campus parking, follow the signs
- Off the Wall Complex: Ample free parking
Following your new favorite teams
Once you've picked your teams (or let's be honest, once your kids have picked based on which mascot is coolest), here's how to stay connected year-round.
The broadcast situation
Television and streaming have made following Nebraska's teams easier than ever. ESPN+ carries Union Omaha matches and select others. CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports, and YouTube feature Supernovas games. The Basketball League streams on TBLTV.TV, while Hockey TV covers the Stars. Most teams also offer audio streaming through their websites or apps.
Radio remains strong for baseball fans. The Storm Chasers broadcast on News Talk 1290 KOIL with Nick Badders painting pictures with words. The Saltdogs hit KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM with Connor Clark bringing independent league charm. Both broadcasters exhibit the kind of enthusiasm that only comes from truly loving minor league baseball.
Social media: Where teams actually respond
Following teams on social media isn't just about scores and schedules anymore. The Saltdogs won Social Media Team of the Year twice for a reason. They're funny, engaging, and occasionally savage in the best way. Most teams actively respond to fans, run contests, and share behind-the-scenes content that makes you feel part of the organization.
Twitter/X remains the fastest source for breaking news and live updates. Facebook hosts longer content and event announcements. Instagram delivers the visual goods with player features and game highlights. TikTok… exists, and some teams are figuring it out. The Beef's Facebook page is particularly entertaining if you enjoy arena football memes and beef puns.
Why Nebraska's pro sports scene actually matters
These eight teams collectively draw over 700,000 fans annually, generating significant economic impact while providing entertainment that doesn't require a road trip to Kansas City or Denver. The diversity across baseball, soccer, hockey, football, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse ensures there's always something in season.
More importantly, these teams create community connections that major league franchises can't match. Players live here, shop here, and their kids go to school here. When a Storm Chaser makes the majors, we feel genuine pride. When the Supernovas set another attendance record, it's our record. When the Beef win another championship, we all get to make terrible meat puns.
The affordability factor cannot be overstated. A family of four can attend most games for under $100 including tickets, parking, and concessions. Try that at an NFL game and see how far you get. These teams understand that accessible pricing builds long-term fans, and long-term fans build sustainable franchises.
Looking ahead, Nebraska's professional sports landscape continues evolving. Union Omaha plans a soccer-specific stadium for 2026. The Supernovas transition to Major League Volleyball with even bigger ambitions. New teams eye Nebraska as a proven market that supports professional sports at all levels.
Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just someone looking for affordable entertainment, Nebraska's professional sports scene delivers. Eight teams, six sports, endless opportunities to yell at referees and eat overpriced nachos. Sure, we might not have the Lakers or Yankees, but we have something better: teams that actually appreciate their fans, tickets that don't require financing, and the chance to watch tomorrow's stars today. Not bad for a state everyone thinks is just corn and football.
