LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 9, 2025.- In a key moment for the development of volleyball, the FIVB today welcomed a delegation from USA Volleyball for a high-level strategic meeting at Volleyball House in Lausanne, Switzerland. The discussions focused on strengthening the sport’s presence across America as the world looks to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
The USA, a recognised powerhouse in volleyball, continues to demonstrate its talent on the world stage – most recently securing silver in the women’s competition and bronze in the men’s competition at Paris 2024.
The FIVB delegation was led by President Fabio Azevedo, who emphasised the importance of global collaboration through the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which is built around the core message: Together as One. The meeting highlighted current and future opportunities to elevate both indoor and beach volleyball and expand digital engagement.
Another key focus of the discussions was the upcoming Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025, which will feature two stops in the USA: Arlington, Texas and Chicago, Illinois. These host cities will play a significant role in welcoming the world’s top teams, in what will be one of the first major volleyball competitions since Paris 2024.
USA Volleyball had the opportunity to take part in a full-day programme featuring a variety of focused sessions with department heads across the FIVB and Volleyball World. These sessions covered key areas such as legal topics, event strategies for volleyball and beach volleyball, commercial developments and innovations in digital engagement and marketing.
The USA Volleyball delegation was comprised of CEO John Speraw, Marketing Advisor Craig Thompson, and General Counsel Rachel Stafford. Present at all meetings was FIVB Secretary General Hugh McCutcheon, a former USA volleyball coach who led the USA men’s team to Olympic gold in 2008 and the women’s team to silver in 2012.
This meeting demonstrates the FIVB’s roadmap to elevate volleyball’s global impact over the next eight years. Through the principles of professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation, the FIVB is aiming to make volleyball even more accessible and impactful, bringing people together, inspiring positive societal change and ensuring a brighter future for the sport.