The women's VNL is returning to the Philippines, and this time, it will be held in Cebu, as announced by AVC and PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
The Philippines is set to remain at the heart of international volleyball action, with the country preparing to host the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Cebu City for both the 2026 and 2027 editions.
Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara confirmed the exciting development, revealing that plans are in place to bring the VNL out of Manila and into the Queen City of the South.
This comes amid the construction of a new, state-of-the-art arena designed to accommodate high-profile tournaments.
“For the next two years, 2026 and 2027, the VNL will come back to Manila — but not in Manila, hopefully in Cebu,” Suzara said during a press conference at the sidelines of the AVC Women's Champions League at PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“As agreed with SM and Hans Sy, we are bringing VNL to Cebu. VNL Women 2026 and 2027. This is a big thing for us. Punta tayo lahat sa Cebu because they are building a new MOA Arena in Cebu, and alam mo naman, the fans in Cebu are really crazy.”
The SM Seaside Arena, also referred to as SM Cebu Arena or SM Arena, is an indoor venue currently under construction in South Road Properties, Cebu City.
The arena, which will be finished later this year, is expected to hold 16,000 seats and, upon completion, will become the largest indoor arena in Cebu.
The last time the VNL Women was held in the Philippines was in 2022, where games were held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
[ALSO READ: Paola Egonu, Italy back on top after bagging VNL gold in dominant Finals win over Japan]
Aside from the VNL, the 2025 season will be a landmark year for the sport, with several world-class events lined up.
This includes the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship in Thailand from August 22 to September 7 and the Men’s World Championship in Manila from September 12 to 28.
[ALSO READ: PH ready to host 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship, says AVC & PNVF President Tats Suzara]
Age-group tournaments will also take the spotlight, with the U21 Women’s World Championship slated for August 7-17 in Surabaya, Indonesia, the U21 Men’s World Championship in China from August 21 to 31, and the U19 Boys’ World Championship in Uzbekistan set from July 24 to August 3.
Meanwhile, the world’s best will hit the sand in Adelaide for the Beach Volleyball World Championships from November 14 to 23.