Vietnamese Volleyball Braces for Strategic 2026 Season with Key Player Movements

The Vietnamese volleyball landscape is undergoing a period of strategic realignment as teams prepare for the 2026 season, marked by significant player transfers and a focus on long-term development. While some clubs are aggressively bolstering their rosters, others are prioritizing stability and nurturing homegrown talent.

Hanoi Emerges as a Dominant Force

Hanoi is rapidly establishing itself as a major contender in Vietnamese women’s volleyball, actively recruiting national team players to strengthen its squad. Key acquisitions include striker Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, who transferred from Quang Ninh, and setter Nguyen Khanh Dang, formerly of VTV Binh Dien Long An. The addition of experienced powerhouse Le Thanh Thuy from Ninh Binh further solidifies Hanoi’s position as a team to watch in the 2026 season.

Ninh Binh Undergoes Major Restructuring

In contrast to Hanoi’s aggressive recruitment, Ninh Binh is embarking on a significant rebuilding phase. Following a second-place finish in the 2025 national championship, the club has seen several key players depart. Le Thanh Thuy joined Hanoi, libero Kim Lien moved to Thanh Hoa, and setters Hoai Mi and Yen Nhi signed with Ho Chi Minh City.

To address these departures, Ninh Binh has signed striker Nguyen Thi Uyen from Hung Yen and setter Nguyen Thi Thuy from Hoa Chat Duc Giang Lao Cai. The team has similarly secured centers Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai and Pham Thi Nhu Quynh, along with setter Le Bach Hop on loan from VTV Binh Dien Long An. Despite these changes, Ninh Binh retains national team player Luu Thi Hue, a silver medalist at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in 2025.

Cautious Approaches from Other Teams

While Hanoi and Ninh Binh are making headlines with their roster changes, other teams are adopting a more conservative strategy. Duc Giang Lao Cai Chemical Club has not added any fresh domestic players despite the departure of setter Nguyen Thi Thuy. VTV Binh Dien Long An is also facing challenges, with Tran Thi Thanh Thuy remaining with Gunma Green Wings in Japan until the end of April 2026, preventing her participation in the initial phase of the national championship. The team has finalized a contract with passer Ngoc Tram.

Thanh Hoa and Vietinbank have made minor adjustments, with Thanh Hoa recruiting libero Kim Lien and setter Ton Thi Minh Thu, and Vietinbank seeking a setter from Bac Ninh. The Signal Corps team is prioritizing stability, choosing to retain its existing players and provide opportunities for youth development. Experienced player Bui Thi Nga will transition to a coaching role in 2026.

National Team Focus and Long-Term Goals

The restructuring of teams at the national level aligns with the Vietnamese women’s volleyball team’s preparations for the 20th Asian Games. Building on a historic fourth-place finish at the 2023 Asian Games, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet continues to have the support of the Vietnam Volleyball Federation and the Vietnamese Ministry of Sports and Physical Education. Roster adjustments are seen as crucial for the team’s long-term success.

As the 2026 season approaches, the measured approach to player transfers suggests a strategic preparation phase for Vietnamese volleyball, where each roster decision is carefully considered for its potential impact on the upcoming tournaments.