—- Lausanne, Switzerland (September 15, 2023) – Volleyball World and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) have extended their union with MIKASA CORPORATION (MIKASA) for eight more years, ensuring their partnership remains strong until 2032.

MIKASA has supported international volleyball since the Olympic Games Tokyo 1964 providing high-quality balls for international competitions. MIKASA, the FIVB and Volleyball World have long shared a passion and commitment to provide athletes with the very best equipment and growing volleyball globally.

With the extension of the agreement, MIKASA balls will continue to be the sole official ball used in international competitions organized by Volleyball World and FIVB.

MIKASA will also support the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment and Development Projects and cooperate in activities to spread the joy of volleyball and contribute to its growth all over the world.

FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° said, “MIKASA has been a loyal partner to the global volleyball family for many years and we are thrilled to be extending our relationship for another 8 years. MIKASA is invaluable to the FIVB, not only in its provision of equipment but also in its commitment to supporting development projects and activities of the FIVB across the world.  I am looking forward to the continuation of this important relationship, that will help to ensure the sustained success of our sport for many years to come.”

MIKASA President, Mr. Yuji Saeki said, “MIKASA is extremely pleased to renew our partnership with FIVB and Volleyball World. We have enjoyed a long and cordial relationship with the FIVB and Volleyball World, and we look forward to supporting the development and success of volleyball all over the world by providing our products for people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Volleyball World CEO, Finn Taylor said, “Dedicated to supporting the global volleyball community, the partnership with MIKASA has made a significant impact on our sport worldwide, spanning from grassroots to the international stage. It brings me great pleasure to see this relationship continue, and I look forward to witnessing the continued development of volleyball.”

The signing ceremony took place at the FIVB/Volleyball World Headquarters in the city of Lausanne in Switzerland, with Mr. L. Fernando Lima, Chairman of the Board of Volleyball World, Mr. Finn Taylor, CEO of Volleyball World, Fabio Azevedo, General Director of FIVB, and Mr. Yuji Saeki, President of MIKASA.

-ENDS-

About Volleyball World

Volleyball World is a new partnership between the FIVB and the CVC Capital Partners aimed at driving growth, innovation, and investment in volleyball around the globe. Its goal is to create an integrated ecosystem connecting all volleyball stakeholders (fans, athletes, corporate partners) together through both digital and live events. Volleyball World is responsible for the commercial operation of key volleyball and beach volleyball international events, including: the World Championships, Volleyball Nations League, Olympic Qualifiers and Beach Pro Tour.

About the FIVB 

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), together with its National Federations, is the sole, global volleyball regulatory body responsible for all forms of volleyball and its development. With its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FIVB works closely with all stakeholders of the global Volleyball Family to promote and develop the sport worldwide. Established in 1947, the FIVB is committed to supporting the growth of national teams and athletes across the globe through world-leading development programmes like Volleyball Empowerment. The FIVB is part of the Olympic Movement, contributing to the success of the Olympic Games.

About MIKASA

MIKASA manufactures and sells sports equipment, with a focus on volleyballs, soccer balls, basketballs, handballs, dodgeballs, water polo balls, and various other balls for competitive use. Our volleyballs are especially prominent, as it has been the exclusive official ball for all volleyball, beach volleyball and snow volleyball tournaments hosted by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and Volleyball World. The company’s history of over 100 years has evolved from the manufacture of rubber products and now sports equipment, with a focus on balls for competitive use, and industrial rubber products are the two main pillars of Mikasa’s business. In particular, the MIKASA brand of competition balls is used and well known in more than 150 countries and regions.

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