Welcome to 2025! Volleyball fans have plenty to celebrate as competitions are already underway, but what’s happening behind the scenes is just as exciting. Major leadership changes and bold plans are setting the stage for a new chapter in the sport we love.
Let’s start at the top. The FIVB, the global governing body of volleyball, has a new President—Fabio Azevedo. If his name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s been the engine behind FIVB as its CEO for years. Now stepping into his old role is Hugh McCutcheon, a legendary coach with multiple Olympic medals to his name. Together, they’re aiming to raise volleyball’s profile even higher, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. Volleyball World, the organization driving much of the sport’s modernization, will play a big part in these efforts, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
In Europe, there’s a new leader too. Roko Sikirić, a former pro player and experienced sports manager, now heads the CEV (European Volleyball Confederation). He’s tackling some tough challenges, especially in club volleyball. Big teams dominate, while others struggle to keep up financially, which has hurt the sport’s appeal. Roko’s plan? Build a system that’s not just fairer but also more exciting and rewarding for everyone involved.
Over in Asia, big opportunities are waiting to be unlocked. The new President of the Asian Volleyball Confederation, Ramon Suzara, has a tough job ahead. With volleyball booming across the continent, it’s time to rethink outdated competition formats and introduce new leagues that better showcase the incredible talent there. Imagine the possibilities of an Asia-wide elite league—now that’s something to get excited about!
Meanwhile, the U.S. is buzzing with action. John Speraw, a celebrated former coach, is now leading USA Volleyball. And guess who’s coaching the men’s team? None other than Karch Kiraly, an absolute legend, who’s aiming to take the team to glory at the 2028 LA Olympics. Add to that the creation of three professional women’s leagues, and it’s clear that volleyball is on the rise in the States like never before.
2025 feels like the beginning of something special for volleyball. With fresh leadership, big dreams, and exciting innovations on the horizon, this could be the year our sport reaches new heights. So, let’s gear up for an amazing season and cheer on the teams—and leaders—who are taking volleyball to the next level!
The future of volleyball is here, and it’s looking brighter than ever.
