The Volleyball Nations League returns to the Mall of Asia Arena for its Philippine leg from June 18 to 23 as top teams like Japan, United States, and Brazil battle it out in front of Filipino supporters.
The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) is set to return to the Philippines for the third consecutive year, taking place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City from June 18 to 23, 2024.
Despite speculation about a change in venue, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) confirmed on Monday that the event will indeed be held at the same location for the second successive year.
In the Philippines' initial hosting in 2022, the VNL took place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
This year's Manila leg will feature an exciting lineup of eight teams, with fan-favorites and reigning VNL bronze medalists Japan leading the pack.
Japan's team will feature top volleyball stars such as Ran Takahashi, captain Yuki Ishikawa, and Yuji Nishida.
Making their first visit to the Philippines, world no. 2 Team USA, will include prominent players like TJ DeFalco, Kyle Ensing, and Erik Shoji.
15th-ranked Iran will also debut in Manila, while four returning teams include 2021 VNL champion Brazil, 2022 winner France, no. 10 Germany, and no. 12 Canada.
Similar to the previous two seasons, the Philippines will once again stand as the sole host nation without a representative team in the VNL. In contrast, the 2024 co-hosts, including Brazil, Turkiye, Canada, Japan, and Slovenia, are all contending for this year's championship.
The third edition of the VNL in the Philippines will also serve as a prelude to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, which the country will host at both the Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in September next year.