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FIVB Charts Course for Volleyball’s Global Expansion with Record Development Investment
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The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) is aggressively pursuing its Strategic Vision 2032, fueled by a significant surge in development funding adn a renewed focus on inclusivity and fan engagement. A recent meeting of the FIVB Development Commission, held on January 22, 2026, underscored the association’s commitment to enduring growth and a collaborative approach to the sport’s future.
The FIVB is prioritizing a comprehensive strategy to bolster volleyball worldwide. Throughout 2025, the organization delivered 90 development courses, engaging 2,969 participants across 54 organizing entities. This expansion of capacity-building initiatives was significantly bolstered by a 33 percent increase in funding from the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Solidarity program, reaching $4,081,222 for the LA28 Olympic cycle (2025-2028) – a substantial jump from the $3,060,677 allocated in 2022.
This increased investment is being strategically deployed across a range of programs, including technical coaching courses, Olympic scholarships for coaches, national sports systems development, team support grants, and youth athlete development projects. The aim is to create a robust pipeline of talent and expertise at all levels of the sport.
Beyond the Court: Volleyball’s Growing cultural Impact
The FIVB is also recognizing the power of volleyball to transcend sport and foster community engagement. A prime example is the Volleyball Legacy Art Project, launched in the Philippines during the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship – the first time the event was held in Southeast Asia. The project transformed a local outdoor court into a vibrant mural showcasing seven of the world’s top volleyball stars, demonstrating the sport’s unique ability to connect with art and local communities.
A New Era of National Federation support
In 2025, the FIVB initiated a transformative shift in how it supports National Federations (NFs). A new categorization system, based on transparency and evidence-based criteria, was introduced to assess and support nfs more effectively. A pilot program involving NFs worldwide was conducted to ensure fairness and consistency in the evaluation process. The results not only highlighted existing achievements but also pinpointed areas for growth. In 2026, this survey will be rolled out to all 222 NFs, creating opportunities to recognize progress, guide development, and tailor support to each federation’s specific needs.
Elevating the Fan Experiance
fan engagement remains a critical focus for the FIVB. Across the major volleyball and beach volleyball World Championships held in Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia in 2025, volleyball Experiences attracted a combined 47,000 visitors, offering fans immersive and innovative ways to connect with the sport. .
Updates were also shared regarding the progress of ongoing working groups, with a particular emphasis on empowering female coaches. Strategic alliances were also reviewed, reinforcing the FIVB’s commitment to strengthening volleyball’s global reach.
During the meeting, a senior official underscored the collective obligation of the Commission in shaping the future of
