Roko Sikiric, a candidate for the presidency of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), has taken to social media to further explain the pressing issues facing the organization and his vision for addressing them. In his recent post, Sikiric emphasized the need for a more professional approach to understanding the sport, its fans, and the broader sports market.
Building on his earlier discussions about the CEV’s financial challenges, Sikiric highlighted the importance of market research, segmentation, and competitive analysis in driving the growth of volleyball. He believes these tools are essential for gaining insights into fan preferences and interests, which can inform targeted strategies to enhance fan engagement and loyalty. “Understanding what our fans like and prefer, and their main interests, allows us to develop targeted strategies that keep them entertained and interested in our sport,” he stated.
Sikiric’s approach is rooted in his academic background and commitment to a scientific methodology. He conducted a competitive analysis of volleyball across Europe, revealing significant variations in the sport’s popularity. The analysis showed that the percentage of volleyball fans ranges from 4% to 43% across different countries. Türkiye leads with 43% of the population being volleyball fans, followed by Poland at 41%, Italy at 27%, and Portugal at 14%. These findings underscore the sport’s strong foothold in certain regions and highlight areas with untapped growth potential.
“My candidacy is driven by the desire to build on volleyball’s already strong platform and unlock its full potential,” Sikiric explained. He advocates for a professional, strategic, and data-driven approach to address the sport’s challenges and opportunities. This methodology, he argues, will better support National Federations by creating tailored strategies to meet their unique needs, ultimately enhancing the sport’s visibility and attracting more investment.
Sikiric stressed the CEV’s responsibility in leading volleyball to reach its full potential. He proposes a comprehensive review of the sport’s status in all member nations to gain a deeper understanding of its current reach and potential. “One of my key priorities, once elected, will be to ensure we undertake this analysis. This will help volleyball maximize its growth and reach its full potential across the continent,” he assured.
By fostering close partnerships with National Federations and leveraging market knowledge and competitive analysis, Sikiric envisions a future where European volleyball thrives, drawing in more fans and sponsors, and ensuring long-term success for the sport.
