The FIVB has announced that, for the 2027 season only, the VNL will expand to 19 teams. This is to allow Russia to reintegrate into the competition while also maintaining the inclusion of Slovenia’s women’s team and Finland’s men’s team (both of which have qualified for promotion due to their world rankings).
The release on FIVB’s website also states that the Russian men’s team, by their own decision, will not participate in the 2027 World Championships. It is unclear at this time if Russia will participate on the women’s side.