Exciting Updates in Volleyball

1. Record-Breaking Moments at the 2025 Women’s World Championship

● The 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship set new viewership records, capturing global attention with a fresh 32-team format. Over 1.1 billion fans in China tuned in through broadcasts and digital platforms, showcasing the sport’s rising popularity.

● Live TV and Douyin streams in China drew huge crowds, while the final in Italy attracted nearly 4 million viewers on RAI 1, making it one of the year’s biggest sports events.

● Türkiye also celebrated a massive audience of more than 4.5 million viewers during the finals. On Volleyball World’s OTT platform (VBTV), semi-finals attracted around 350,000 viewers, with the grand finale reaching 250,000.

● This remarkable success was fueled in part by the FIVB’s “Volleyball Empowerment” program, which invested $8.5 million to support 36 national teams and elevate the sport worldwide.

2. Adelaide 2025 Beach Volleyball Championships: Thrilling Highlights

● The excitement is in full swing at the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championships

in Adelaide, Australia. A major upset saw USA’s Kristen Nuss & Taryn Brasher

rally from a first-set loss to defeat Brazil’s Carol & Rebecca (19-21, 24-22, 15-6),

earning their first shot at the world title.

● Down under, Australian sensations Tara Phillips & Kayla Mears made a splash,

winning their pool matches with bold plays despite heavy rain and a lively home

crowd.

● Unfortunately, local heroes Mark Nicolaidis & Izac Carracher, along with rising

stars Stefie Fejes & Jasmine Fleming, exited the competition, but the tournament

remains packed with drama.

3. Leadership Changes Shaking Up Germany

● Michal Winiarski has stepped down as head coach of Germany’s men’s national

volleyball team, citing personal reasons and the desire to spend more time with

family.

● Having coached since 2022, Winiarski faced challenges balancing responsibilities

at a Polish club and the national team, along with health concerns.

● The German Volleyball Federation (DVV) is now on the hunt for a new leader,

considering multiple promising candidates.

4. Major Moves in U.S. Professional Volleyball

● The Houston Texans, renowned in the NFL, are making bold moves into women’s

volleyball by acquiring a franchise in League One Volleyball (LOVB).

● This strategic expansion reflects their commitment to nurturing youth and

promoting women’s sports.

● The new season kicks off on January 8, 2026, promising fresh excitment.

5. Looking Ahead: Hosting Dreams and Future Showdowns

● The Philippines has been chosen to host the 2029 FIVB Women’s World

Championship their first time hosting this prestigious event.

● Meanwhile, Qatar has secured the bid to host the 2029 FIVB Men’s World

Championship, marking the tournament’s debut in the Middle East and promising

a new chapter for international volleyball

6. Rising Stars in Youth Volleyball

● Asian youth volleyball showcased emerging talent at the 2025 Asian Women’s U16

Championship in Amman, Jordan, from November 1–8, where South Korea

claimed victory and Chinese Taipei finished as runners-up.

● Simultaneously, the European stage saw Italy triumph at the 2025 CEV U16

Volleyball European Championship held in Yerevan, Armenia, highlighting the

bright future of volleyball around the world