Bangkok steps in as 2026 Women's Volleyball Champions League host after Korea's failure
The 2026 Women's Volleyball Champions League has been moved from Korea to Bangkok after serious organisational failures. The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) stripped Korea of hosting rights due to poor preparation and structural issues. The decision leaves the Korean champions facing unexpected costs to compete in the tournament. The AVC's move follows repeated warnings about the lack of progress by the Local Organizing Committee, managed by H&L Partners. Key problems included unsecured venues, inadequate transport, and failures in arranging basic infrastructure and accommodations. As a result, the tournament—Asia's top club competition—will now take place in Thailand's capital.
The Korean V League winners must now cover their own travel and accommodation expenses, as the AVC will not provide financial support. This marks a sharp contrast to previous editions, where hosting nations typically handled such costs for participating teams. The champions league usually features top clubs from countries like Japan, China, Thailand, the Philippines, and Korea. While the prize for winning stands at $20,000, the basketball tournament East Asia Super League offers a far larger pot of $1.5 million. This is not the first time the AVC has reallocated a major event. In 2021, the AVC Cup was shifted from Pakistan to Thailand over security concerns. Similarly, the 2018 Asian Games qualifiers were moved from North Korea due to logistical problems, with alternative hosts selected through bidding or direct awards.
The relocation to Bangkok means the 2026 tournament will proceed without Korea's involvement in hosting. The Korean champions will still compete but must fund their participation independently. The AVC's decision highlights the risks of inadequate preparation for major sporting events.
