2022-2024

THE QUESTION

Following the example of several other sports, such as basketball and handball, club volleyball in the Netherlands and Belgium wondered whether it would be a good idea to start a joint competition. Both competitions were looking for a way to give their competitions a boost on both a sporting and commercial level. A joint competition could ensure that more matches are played at a high level and that a cross-border market is used, resulting in economic and innovative benefits. Both men’s and women’s volleyball were part of the research.

HYPERCUBE’S SOLUTION

The project is divided into two phases. During the first phase, it was investigated whether there was sufficient support among the volleyball community in both countries and which possible form would be most suitable. During the second phase, all plans were worked out in concrete terms in various areas: sporting, commercial, government & organisation, operations and innovation.

It soon became clear that in both countries there was a great desire for a new competition for men’s volleyball. However, there were doubts whether it would be feasible for all clubs to play a fully integrated competition in view of finances, travel distances and the large differences in strength between the clubs.

A solution was found that all stakeholders could agree with. The competition formula includes two national competitions at the start of the season, with the top four from each country coming together in the BeNe Volley Conference. These eight clubs will play cross-border against each other at home and away, culminating in the crowning of the BeNe Conference champion. The remaining teams, outside the top four, will compete for a place in the national play-offs in the national second phase (Challenge Pool). The well-known play-offs will then be played in both countries.

In addition, a spectacular event will be added: the BeNe Volley Cup around the Christmas period, in which the champions of both countries of the men’s and women’s competitions will compete against each other at a central location.

In women’s volleyball it turned out that the clubs are not yet ready for a joint competition, but they would like to be part of central events.

THE RESULT

The first edition of the BeNe Volley will start in 2024/25. The first edition of the BeNeCup will be played around Christmas 2024 and the BeNe Conference will start in the spring.