The entire nation witnessed, perhaps for the first time, a historic moment: the Olympic gold conquered by the Italvolley athletes in Paris. However, the volleyball world was already aware of their talent, well before August 11th. This triumph was not an isolated event, but the culmination of a journey that began years ago, on different courts and at different levels. A path that has led Italian women’s volleyball to be recognized internationally, not only for the talent of its promises, but also for its solid organization and the formative environment created to nurture them.
It is precisely this environment, that of the clubs, that we discussed with Mauro Fabris, National President of the Women’s Serie A Volleyball League. «The Olympic gold is the result of a constant evolution of women’s volleyball, long considered the Cinderella of our sport,» Fabris states. «Once, for example, referees’ fees and prize money in European competitions favored the men’s sector. Our commitment, in synergy with the Federation, has led to a significant enhancement of women’s volleyball. A unique example is Club Italia, a breeding ground for talents who train and compete in the heart of the Centro Pavesi in Milan. This model, which allows young athletes to compete with the best players in a competitive context, was fundamental to the National Team’s success in Paris. It was a sacrifice accepted by all the Clubs, for the good of the volleyball movement as a whole.»
The sporting results of the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons testify to this journey: the victories of Italian teams in European competitions, the dominance in the FIVB Club World Championship, and the consistent presence at the top of the rankings. «These successes are also the result of impeccable organization,» Fabris emphasizes. «In Europe, our clubs are renowned for their structure and professionalism. We have worked to strengthen the quality of the image and communication, becoming the most followed league on social media after football. The creation of LVF TV, which later became VBTV, marked an innovation in the sector.»
The Women’s Serie A Volleyball League is now preparing to face new challenges: «We must demonstrate that we can maintain our leading position. For this, we have decided to open up to new partners in marketing and media, to increase our visibility. We want to make volleyball accessible to an increasingly wider audience, also leveraging the potential of athletes’ social media channels.»
«With the approval of the clubs, we have decided to create a newco, of which the League will control 60%,» Fabris reveals. «An innovative model in the world of sports, which will allow us to manage our rights directly. This is the natural evolution of a journey that began in 2006, when I entrusted image management to an external agency, paving the way for important collaborations.»
The Italian championship, a veritable “university of volleyball,” attracts athletes from all over the world, thanks to its competitive level and the high quality of life offered by Italy. «We do not fear competition from the new American leagues,» Fabris states. «On the contrary, we consider them a stimulus. Our championship maintains a strong appeal to investors and sponsors, thanks also to the presence of international caliber athletes and the Italian ecosystem.»
However, Fabris emphasizes the need for greater support from the State, especially regarding sports facilities. «We need adequate infrastructure to compete at an international level,» he states. «The intervention of institutions is fundamental for the growth of the movement and for the well-being of the population.»
With these words, President Fabris launches an appeal to institutions, so that the success of Italian women’s volleyball can continue to shine in the future.
Original article by Alessia Malcaus, elaborated with the help of AI
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