[en] Host sensitized near-infrared emitting phosphor Na_2YMg_2(VO_4)_3:Yb"3"+ was fabricated by a sol–gel method. Efficient broad emission is observed under ultraviolet excitation ranging from 240 nm to −400 nm and this luminescence originates from ligand–metal charge transfer of 2p of O"2"− to 3d of V"5"+. Under excitation of ultraviolet light in the broad absorption band, intense near-infrared emission of Yb"3"+ around 974 nm is observed for Yb"3"+-doped Na_2YMg_2(VO_4)_3. Through study of photoluminescence spectra, fluorescence decay curves and concentration-dependent luminescence, mechanism of energy transfer from VO_4 group to Yb"3"+ was proposed to rationalize the downconversion process. This phosphor with performance of ultra-violet to near-infrared downconversion could have potential application in improving efficiency of silicon-based solar cell.