Volleyball Chiefs Serve Up Deal With Microsoft

The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has announced a digital partnership with Microsoft in a bid to raise the game’s global profile.

The US tech giant’s digital platform will allow FIVB to reach worldwide audiences and create deeper levels of fan engagement. Its hoped the move will also change the way volleyball is consumed during match days as well as in the digital space. The platform will offer personalised content on demand, new services and improved promotion for the sport.

The governing body will officially launch the partnership in conjunction with the Volleyball Nations League (VNL).

FIVB President, Dr. Ary Graça, said of the agreement: “Innovation has been a key priority for us since I was first elected President in 2012. We believe that the FIVB and Microsoft have the same vision of leading the process of innovation and digital transformation in the world of sport.

“This is a great opportunity for us to work together for the benefit of everyone, especially the global volleyball family, as we open an exciting new chapter in this digital age. While Microsoft can provide technological expertise, we want to show our vision to engage and expand our loyal volleyball fan base. By providing highly engaging digital content, which speaks directly to the specific interests of our fans, we believe we can significantly enhance fan experience all-season round.”

Sebastián Lancestremere, Sports Business General Manager at Microsoft Corporation, added: “We are very proud of partnering with the FIVB to develop volleyball as a major world media and entertainment sport through world-class planning and organization of competitions. Technology will help the FIVB to adopt a new digital business model, leveraging digital fan engagement and their sponsorship strategy as well as new monetization models.”