Japan’s volleyball SV League is rapidly becoming a global powerhouse, attracting top international stars. The latest to join the movement are Russian players Egor Kliuka and Kirill Klets, marking a significant shift in the sport’s transfer market.
With the league expanding its foreign player limit from two to three starting in the 2026/27 season, Japan is pushing to establish itself as the world’s strongest championship within a decade. Clubs are now required to meet stricter financial and professional standards, further elevating the league’s competitiveness.
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Klets is expected to replace Brazilian star Alan Souza at Toray Arrows, while Polish middle blocker Norbert Huber is set to join Nagoya, and French setter Antoine Brizard is reportedly signing with Osaka Blueton.
Japan’s league is not just growing in talent but also in popularity, with a record average attendance of 4,713 per match in the latest round. As the league’s international appeal rises, it is increasingly challenging European clubs in the race for top volleyball stars.
