THE VOLLEYBALL action in the Philippines continues, and there are no plans to stop, given that the country will host the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in 2026 and 2027.
According to Ramon “Tats” Suzara, President of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the Philippines is preparing to host another round of events, which were announced on Tuesday.
The league follows the Manila legs of Men’s VNL from 2022 to 2024, as well as the country’s forthcoming hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in September.
Big News
During a press conference on the sidelines of the AVC Women’s Champions League at PhilSports Arena, the volleyball executive shared the exciting news.
“Although I don’t want to announce it as early as now, for the next two years, 2026 and 2027, the VNL will come back to Manila, but not in Manila, hopefully in Cebu,” Suzara excitedly told the media.
“It will be Women’s. So pahinga muna tayo ng Men’s kasi may [FIVB] Worlds Championship this year,” the volleyball executive went on to say.
Photo Courtesy: PVL Media Bureau
Suzara also revealed that they are in talks with a mall giant about using a physical venue for the event, and they are hoping that it will be the soon-to-be-built SM Seaside Arena.
“This is a big thing for us. Punta tayo lahat sa Cebu because they are building a new MOA Arena in Cebu,” Suzara added.
However, he stressed that the Philippines will not have a berth in the Women’s VNL because the country is hosting, and that the top 16 squads from across the world will compete in the renowned event.
More Volleyball to Come
Asia is already having a busy volleyball season, with more competitions taking place this year, including the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship in Thailand and the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in Manila.
The FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship will be held in Surabaya, Indonesia, followed by the FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship in China, the FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship in Uzbekistan, and the Beach Volleyball World Championship in Adelaide.
Suzara, speaking on behalf of the AVC and PNVF, thanked the Premier Volleyball League and Sports Vision for hosting the ongoing Champions League.
