The world of volleyball and beach volleyball is perpetually in motion, not just on the courts but behind the scenes, where strategic minds are charting its global trajectory. Recently, the FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) Board of Administration convened online, transforming virtual meeting rooms into hubs of ambitious planning. The agenda was clear: to reinforce the sport`s foundation, expand its global footprint, and ensure its vibrant future. Far from a mere formality, this meeting unveiled a comprehensive blueprint that underscores an unprecedented commitment to growth and development.
The Unprecedented Investment: A Financial Dynamo for the Sport
Perhaps the most striking revelation from the recent assembly was the sheer scale of the FIVB`s financial commitment. Fabio Azevedo, the FIVB President, detailed an “Investment Strategy” that beggars belief for a sports federation. Between 2021 and 2024, a staggering 74% of the FIVB`s total revenue – a sum exceeding USD 100 million – was reportedly ploughed back into the sport. This isn`t just budget allocation; it`s a strategic redistribution, funnelled into prize money, robust “Volleyball Empowerment” programs, and crucial transfer reimbursements. For those who might cynically view sports organizations as profit-driven entities, the FIVB appears to be operating more like a benevolent investment fund, with the sport itself as its primary beneficiary.
Hitesh Malhotra, Head of Volleyball Empowerment and National Federation Relations, provided tangible evidence of this investment`s impact. Since 2017, an impressive 175 National Federations (NFs) have received support for coach development programs, building essential technical capacity. Currently, 150 such projects are actively nurturing talent worldwide. The numbers speak volumes: since 2022, there`s been a phenomenal 300% increase in Empowerment-supported NFs participating in the Men’s Volleyball World Championship, and an even more remarkable 320% surge for the Women’s edition. This isn`t just growth; it`s an explosion of participation, proving that strategic investment directly translates into broader global engagement.
Global Stages: New Hosts and a Packed Calendar
The meeting also served as a stage for solidifying future events, cementing the global reach of both volleyball disciplines. The Netherlands, a nation already steeped in sporting heritage, was officially confirmed as the host for the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships 2027. This decision not only highlights the growing prominence of beach volleyball but also reflects a strategic choice to bring major tournaments to diverse and passionate fan bases.
Beyond 2027, the immediate future is equally bustling. Head of Volleyball Alise Kessler and Head of Beach Volleyball Yu Cao provided updates on an extensive calendar. The ongoing 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) continues to captivate, while the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2025 is set to electrify audiences in the Philippines. Not to be outdone, the Women’s World Championship will unfold in Thailand, further diversifying the sport`s global showcase. This strategic geographical spread ensures that the excitement of world-class volleyball is accessible to new regions, fostering fresh waves of enthusiasts. Age Group and Club World Championships for 2025 were also on the docket, demonstrating a commitment to talent development from the grassroots up to the professional club level.
For beach volleyball aficionados, the focus extended to the Beach Pro Tour 2025 and the highly anticipated FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, scheduled for November 14-23 in Adelaide, Australia, this year. The meticulous planning suggests a sport not resting on its laurels but actively expanding its global footprint, one sandy court at a time.
Olympic Momentum and Digital Dominance
The triumph of volleyball and beach volleyball at Paris 2024 was a central point of discussion, with FIVB Secretary General Hugh McCutcheon and General Sports Director Steve Tutton presenting a detailed overview of the sports` impact. The success in Paris wasn`t just about medals; it was about showcasing the sport`s dynamic appeal on the world`s grandest stage. With preparations for the Olympic Games LA28 already underway, the momentum generated in Paris is clearly being leveraged to build an even stronger presence.
In a modern testament to the sport`s expanding influence, Anna Manuelian, FIVB Head of International Affairs and Communications, highlighted the astounding success of the inaugural World Volleyball Day on July 7, 2025. This global celebration united millions of fans and stakeholders, achieving an impressive digital engagement reach of 280 million people across social media platforms. In an era where digital presence is paramount, these figures underscore the FIVB`s proactive and effective strategy to connect with its audience, proving that the roar of the crowd can now echo through fibre optic cables.
Evolving Governance: Fresh Perspectives for a Dynamic Sport
Behind the spectacular serves and digs, the machinery of governance continues to evolve. The Board approved several strategic changes to its Councils and Commissions, bringing in fresh expertise. Hubert Tomaszewski of Poland was appointed to the Volleyball Council, while three-time Olympian and President of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission, Louise Bawden of Australia, joined the VNL Council. These appointments signal a commitment to integrating diverse perspectives and direct athlete experience into decision-making.
In a notable shift, Australian beach volleyball legend and Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medallist Kerri Pottharst succeeded Emanuel Rego of Brazil as Secretary of the Heritage and Legacy Commission. Such transitions, while seemingly administrative, are crucial in ensuring the continuity of institutional memory while injecting new dynamism. Marina Tsui of Hong Kong also took a significant step, replacing Terry Sasser on both the Finance Commission and Internal Auditors Commission, emphasizing a keen focus on financial oversight.
Finally, the Board meticulously reviewed and approved the FIVB’s 2024 financial accounts, a critical exercise in transparency and accountability. The presentation of the 2025-2026 budget further solidified the financial roadmap for the sport`s ambitious global expansion.
The next gathering of this dynamic administrative body is scheduled for Manila, the Philippines, coinciding with the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship from September 12-28, 2025. This strategic co-location not only highlights the interconnectedness of governance and on-court action but also ensures that the architects of the sport`s future remain intimately connected to its pulse. The message from the FIVB is clear: the future of volleyball isn`t just being discussed; it`s being meticulously built, one strategic decision and one empowered nation at a time.
Rupert Caldwell