“Exhibition matches before NBA games,” “Global Development Fund,” “World Cup in Emerging Markets”: Prominent handball figure Bob Hanning warns that the sport’s “Olympic future” is at risk and urges increased investment in non-European regions. “handball must break free from it’s comfort zone instantly,” stated the Füchse Berlin managing director in a recent Sport Bild interview. Hanning proposes a bold strategy: “We should treat every alternate World Championship as a development initiative. While traditional handball nations host tournaments every four years to generate revenue, we should use the in-between years to expand into emerging markets, funding thes efforts ourselves.”
since 2000, nearly all World Championships have been held in Europe, with only Tunisia (2005), Qatar (2015), and Egypt (2021) as exceptions. hanning challenges the status quo: “We need to take bold steps and explore uncharted territories. Why not host a finals in Kuwait,Cape Verde,or even the United States?” he emphasizes the International Handball Federation’s (IHF) responsibility to invest in markets beyond Europe,particularly those far from the Atlantic. “There are resources available for this, and it’s a strategic investment that would yield long-term benefits.”
Hanning’s vision includes reallocating funds: “Rather of funneling excessive money to players and associations, we should invest broadly in the sport’s growth.” He suggests creating a “global development fund,” where European associations and top clubs contribute to finance enduring handball initiatives. The former DHB vice president also envisions tapping into US colleges for talent development: “Our goal should be to offer young athletes alternatives to basketball, football, or baseball. Imagine hosting exhibition matches right before NFL or NBA games to capture their attention.”
Currently, the world Cup is being held in Norway, Croatia, and denmark, with no significant changes planned for the near future. Germany will host the 2027 and 2029 tournaments,while Iceland,Denmark,and norway will share the 2031 event. Hanning warns that repeatedly hosting major tournaments in the same regions risks creating a “handball monoculture.” He highlights the sport’s minimal presence in the global sports market, particularly in North America, home to billion-dollar leagues like the NBA, NHL, and NFL.
Expanding Handball’s Horizons: A Conversation with Handball Legend Stefan Lövgren
Moderator: welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to this exclusive interview. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Stefan Lövgren, a retired handball icon and former Swedish national team player who is now a renowned coach. Stefan, thank you for joining us.
Stefan Lövgren: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss handball, especially its future.
Moderator: Let’s dive right in. Bob Hanning, the managing director of Füchse Berlin, recently made some bold statements about the need for handball to break free from its European-centric roots.He suggests hosting World Championships in emerging markets and creating a “global growth fund.” What are your thoughts on his proposals?
Stefan Lövgren: I think Bob raises some crucial points.Handball has been stagnant in terms of global growth for far too long. Europe is the heart of the sport, but if we want handball to survive and thrive, we need to expand its reach.Hosting World Championships in emerging markets like Kuwait, Cape Verde, or even the United States could be a game-changer.
moderator: But isn’t there a risk of financial loss? Hosting tournaments in non-traditional markets might not generate the same revenue as Europe.
Stefan Lövgren: That’s a valid concern,but we have to think long-term. Yes, there might be initial losses, but the investment in infrastructure, grassroots programs, and exposure would pay off in the future.Look at Qatar in 2015—they took a risk, and it brought handball to a new audience. We need more of that boldness.
Moderator: Hanning also suggests creating a “global development fund,” were European associations and top clubs contribute to finance handball initiatives worldwide. Do you see this as feasible?
Stefan Lövgren: Absolutely. European handball is strong and financially stable. If we reallocate even a small portion of the funds from player salaries and association budgets, we could make a critically important impact. It’s about giving back to the sport that has given us so much.
Moderator: One of his more unconventional ideas is hosting exhibition matches before NBA or NFL games to capture the attention of young athletes in the U.S. What’s your take on this?
Stefan Lövgren: I love it! The U.S. is a sports-crazy nation, but handball is virtually invisible there. Imagine showcasing our sport to thousands of fans right before an NBA game. It’s a genius way to introduce handball to a new audience. Plus, tapping into U.S. colleges for talent development could unearth some hidden gems.
Moderator: However, critics might argue that handball’s Olympic future is less about global expansion and more about improving the product itself. What’s your response?
Stefan Lövgren: Improving the product is important, but it’s not enough. The Olympics are a global event, and the International Olympic Committee wants sports with worldwide appeal. if we don’t broaden our horizons,we risk becoming irrelevant. we need to show that handball is a sport for everyone, not just Europeans.
Moderator: Fair point. Now, let’s talk about the current state of the sport. The World Cup is being held in Norway,Germany,Croatia,and Denmark for the next few years,with no immediate plans to venture beyond europe. Do you think this repetition is creating a “handball monoculture,” as Hanning warns?
Stefan Lövgren: Yes, and it’s a dangerous trend. repeating the same formats and locations limits innovation and alienates potential fans. We need diversity in hosting and playing styles to keep the sport fresh and exciting.
Moderator: Stefan, thank you for your insights. Before we wrap up, I’d like to ask our readers: What do you think about Bob Hanning’s proposals? should handball take bold steps to expand globally, or should it focus on strengthening its roots in Europe? Let us know in the comments below!
Stefan Lövgren: Thank you, and to all the fans out there—keep supporting handball. Together, we can take this sport to new heights.
Moderator: That’s all for today. A huge thank you to Stefan Lövgren for joining us.Don’t forget to share your thoughts and join the conversation. Until next time!
