The official FIVB website reports that the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) finals, held in Ningbo, China, became not only a sporting highlight but also a true breakthrough in the history of volleyball television broadcasts.

Record-breaking final: Poland – Italy

On August 3, the men's final between Poland and Italy drew a cumulative audience of 3.8 million viewers – the highest rating for Polsat Sport in over 25 years (in the A4+ demographic¹). This is clear proof of the continuous growth in volleyball's popularity in Poland.

The total weekly audience during the final week reached an impressive 8.9 million viewers, and this wave of interest continues the trend observed in the first three weeks of the tournament. At that time, the viewing time for matches increased by 166% compared to 2024.

The Italian market – a streaming explosion

Italy also reported historical growth. DAZN registered almost two and a half times more initiated streams compared to last year at the same stage. The Poland – Italy final alone brought a unique online audience more than three times larger than Italy's best achievement to date – the quarter-final against France in 2024.

Turkey – a new audience for volleyball

Records were also reported in Turkey. The Brazil – Poland semi-final achieved a 32% higher score than the most-watched match at the same stage in 2024 (Slovenia – Poland). This proves that volleyball is gaining new fans even in traditionally football-loving countries.

Significance and trends

The 2025 VNL finals demonstrate that volleyball is experiencing a period of unprecedented popularity. Breaking records that have stood for decades, the competition confirms its status as one of the most-watched and celebrated international sporting events of the year.

Volleyball not only attracts millions to television screens but is also firmly establishing itself as a sport with a global audience and modern media value.

¹Note:Demographic groupA4+ (or 4+)includes all viewers over 4 years of age. This is the broadest audience used by television broadcasters to report general interest in an event.

Comment:Unfortunately, in Bulgaria, similar data on volleyball viewership is not published. Although national team matches attract high interest – especially when the matches were broadcast on BNT – official peoplemetry rarely reaches the media. This is an oversight that puts our country in contrast with leading volleyball nations like Poland and Italy, where transparent ratings further solidify the sport.

photos:volleyballworld.com