Mizuno and Volleyball World sign agreement, strengthening Mizuno’s global brand appeal
Mizuno has signed a two-year agreement with Volleyball World, a marketing company responsible for promoting volleyball globally. With this agreement, Mizuno Volleyball will further strengthen its ties with volleyball fans around the world – deepening consumer connectivity with Mizuno products, affiliated teams and athletes. Mizuno develops functional volleyball shoes, apparel, and equipment that support the performances of athletes globally, and holds existing agreements with volleyball powerhouse countries such as the U.S., the Netherlands, and Japan. This agreement with Volleyball World will strengthen Mizuno Volleyball's brand appeal and contribute to the promotion of volleyball on a global scale and the expansion of its fan base by making it possible to utilize the image rights of teams and players participating in various tournaments organized by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) through 2024.
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 partnership with Volleyball World for the next two years, which will further enhance our brand presence in the volleyball world. As a big volleyball fan myself, I sincerely hope that through this agreement the sport will be better known and appreciated by sports fans around the world.”
Finn Taylor, Volleyball World CEO, added: “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."
FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° said: “Mizuno shares our passion for volleyball and has a long, rich history in the sport, supplying high-quality sporting goods that reflect the quality of volleyball. It has been fantastic to see the success of the partnership between Mizuno and Volleyball World, and we have seen both brands grow exponentially over the course of the last year by connecting with a global and engaged community of volleyball fans. I have no doubt that this partnership will continue to flourish in the years ahead.”
Details of the agreement
Agreement period
May 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024 (tentative agreement signed in 2022)
Details of the agreement
-Provision of official uniforms to the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB)
-Utilization of Volleyball World's image rights for teams and players in FIVB-sponsored tournaments
-Merchandise sales and promotional activities at FIVB-sponsored tournaments
-Promotion of volleyball promotional activities through both brands' SNS, etc.
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 Mizuno
Mizuno Corporation is a sporting equipment manufacturer established in Japan in 1906. In addition to developing and marketing products for a wide range of sports, including volleyball, running, football, baseball and golf, the company is also committed to increasing availability of sporting equipment and promoting sports through activities such as supporting athletes and sponsoring events. Mizuno’s corporate philosophy is "Contributing to society through the advancement of sporting goods and the promotion of sports."