The International Handball Federation (IHF) and Lidl have extended their global partnership, securing the continuation of a collaboration that will reach its tenth anniversary in 2027.

The agreement confirms Lidl as the Official Fresh Food Partner of the IHF World Championships through 2030. The extended partnership covers the 2027 and 2029 IHF Women’s and Men’s World Championships, as well as the IHF Women’s Junior and Men’s Junior World Championships.

Since the partnership began in 2017, Lidl has established a strong presence at IHF events, using the global reach of the World Championships to connect with handball fans and promote an active lifestyle alongside the importance of balanced nutrition.

The partnership has also developed beyond the court, as Lidl has created opportunities for fans to engage directly with the sport, while placing a particular focus on younger generations.

One of the most recognisable initiatives is the Lidl Kids Team, which gives children the opportunity to walk onto the court alongside the national teams before selected matches. The Lidl Youth Camp provides an international platform for young players, while the Best Young Player Award celebrates emerging talent at IHF World Championships.

Lidl will also continue its Fresh Lounge concept, offering fans fresh food options at selected IHF events and reinforcing the partnership’s focus on the connection between sporting activity and nutrition.

“I am delighted that our partnership with Lidl will continue through to 2030 across our flagship IHF World Championships. Lidl is a truly dedicated partner that shares our mission to grow handball worldwide and connect with communities. Our collaboration goes on the court, but also off the court, from inspiring young fans through the Lidl Kids Team to honouring emerging talent with the Best Young Player Award. On behalf of the IHF, I thank Lidl for their trust and passion for investing in the future of our sport,” said Dr Hassan Moustafa, IHF President.

The extension comes as Lidl and the IHF prepare to celebrate ten years of partnership. Over that period, Lidl has expanded its involvement in international handball while activating the partnership across a wide range of markets.

“For ten years, we have enjoyed a strong partnership with the IHF World Championships that goes far beyond traditional sponsorship. Together, we create experiences that inspire people's excitement for handball and encourage them to lead an active lifestyle and follow a balanced diet. I look forward to turning the page on the next chapter and continuing to captivate fans around the world in the years to come,” added Robin Ruschke, Head of Marketing and Senior Vice President at Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG.

The partnership extension was brokered by SPORTFIVE, the exclusive marketer of the global media and marketing rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

“Lidl has made impressive use of the opportunity offered by handball in recent years, bringing the partnership to life through consistent and meaningful activation. Extending this collaboration through 2029 is a strong endorsement of the sport’s momentum and the value of the IHF World Championships as a global marketing platform,” said Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE.

The renewed agreement strengthens a partnership built around the global development of handball and provides a platform for Lidl and the IHF to continue engaging fans at World Championship events in the years ahead.