USA Volleyball leaps at opportunity to host women’s world championship in 2027

The GIST: This week, Sports Business Journal shared details on how USA Volleyball is approaching a key opportunity in the women’s game. Along with Canada, the governing body is reportedly submitting a bid to FIVB to host the 2027 women’s world indoor volleyball championship. If chosen, it would be the first time the tournament has taken place stateside.

• Volleyball is already on the rise in the U.S., so what’s the big deal? As we’ve seen across several women’s sports, hosting an international tournament can boost domestic exposure, leading to increased participation and fandom — something the burgeoning volleyball pipeline still needs. Set for success.

The details: USA Volleyball is presenting its bid in partnership with marketing firm Playfly Sports and Anaheim venue OCVibe, which will also play host to the sport during LA28. If USA Volleyball wins, LA would host the event’s final rounds a year before the Olympics — although Turkey and Italy are also expected to submit bids.

The context: Volleyball’s popularity is spiking at every level of the game. It remains the most popular team sport for high school girls in the U.S., a top collegiate sport recruiting global talent amid increased viewership and attendance, and a budding professional sport with three leagues: LOVB, Major League Volleyball, and Athletes Unlimited.

Zooming out: Hosting a global tournament matters because it tends to bolster national pride, passive exposure, and youth participation — not to mention a nation’s coffers. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw Australians tune into the tourney at higher rates than expected, with the Matildas encouraging patriotism and a desire to play sports.

• Plus, the launch of North American pro volleyball leagues has boosted domestic exposure and participation. This should, in turn, drive more interest in the 2027 championship, like the introduction of the PWHL did for last year’s IIHF Women’s World Hockey championship. That’s one way to break the ice.