BOYNEXTDOOR become the first K-pop artist to be named global ambassadors for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.

The tournament will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena from September 12 to 28, with the six-member boy band headlining the opening ceremony in Manila on the first day.

Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), as well as executive vice president of FIVB, highlighted the partnership, saying, “It’s historic for our Philippine volleyball fans to mix entertainment and sports. I think for the first time in the Volleyball World we’re bringing the K-Pop group.”

Additionally, the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) highlighted the group’s important role in promoting sportsmanship, unity, and competition, noting that their global influence will greatly support the tournament’s mission of bringing nations together through volleyball.

The group expressed their excitement, saying, “We’re excited to be global ambassadors [for the World Championship] in a meaningful year when the South Korean national team is participating, and we also feel a strong sense of responsibility.”

The group last visited Manila on March 22 for their first solo concert in the country, the ‘KNOCK ON Vol. 1’ concert tour, held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The FIVB, founded in 1947, is the international governing body for volleyball around the world. This year’s edition of the tournament will be held in the Philippines for the first time.