Volleyball World Renews Mizuno Deal, Secures Thai Broadcast Deal 

Volleyball World has sealed a multi-year partnership with premier Japanese sport brand Mizuno after a stellar 2022. The partnership aims to expand the global reach of both brands while engaging and connecting with volleyball fans across the world. 

Mizuno has been a pivotal part of Volleyball World’s burgeoning portfolio of global partners since 2022, with the Japanese brand able to cement its position in the global market by connecting with the sport’s powerful, engaged community through Volleyball World’s extensive digital platforms. Under the deal, Mizuno will also continue supplying sporting equipment for all Volleyball World and FIVB event personnel and officials. 

Meanwhile, Volleyball World’s formidable calendar of volleyball and beach volleyball events – which this year includes the Road to Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers, as well as premier annual international competitions like the Volleyball Nations League and Beach Pro Tour – is also much valued by Mizuno for providing unique opportunities to engage volleyball fans globally. 

Finn Taylor, Volleyball World CEO, commented, “Our overarching vision is bringing volleyball fans closer to the sport they love and facilitating its growth worldwide. Through our partnership with Mizuno, we aim to enhance the enjoyment of volleyball at all levels, empowering enthusiasts to fully experience and embrace the game. Together, we aspire to build a strong sense of community among the global volleyball audience, and we are proud to see our efforts reflected in the continued support of such a respected brand. We are grateful to Mizuno for sharing our vision and placing their trust in our shared mission.” 

Osamu Sano, Mizuno Director & Managing Executive Officer, added, “Mizuno has long supported the promotion of volleyball globally through products and national team contracts. Last year, through our agreement with Volleyball World, we were able to establish new contacts with volleyball fans around the world, particularly through digital tools. We are delighted to be able to continue our work this year and beyond, not only to further enhance our brand presence, but I, as one of big fan of volleyball, also truly wish this sport’s attractivity to be found and be further appreciated among world’s sports fans.”

According to ASN data, Mizuno is the 5^th largest player( 10.6%, US$1.024m) in its category for volleyball sponsorship deals across Asia since Q320. During this period, the Japanese sport brand has invested about US$13.8m across all sponsorship deals in the Asian market, particularly in baseball, football, volleyball and athletics, however, the bulk of these deals (89.7%) tend to be focussed on the domestic turf.  

Besides the Mizuno deal, Volleyball World has also struck a two-year broadcast rights deal with Thai media and entertainment company Tero Entertainment. The agreement will see Thai free-to-air television channel 7HD air up to 60 matches per year from the  Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s and women’s national teams competitions in 2023 and 2024.