Austria are one of the two new entries in the FIVB World League this year, starting their run from Group 3. It will be their first exposure to world volleyball since their last participation in the FIVB World Championship in 1962.
Austria have a long history of participation in international competitions, though they have yet to win a medal in any world or continental event. Although they have twice competed in the FIVB Volleyball World Championship, they have not qualified for this tournament in more than half a century. They ranked 20th in 1956 and 19th in 1962.
At continental level Austria first took part in the European Championship in 1955. Their best ranking in the competition was an eighth place when they hosted the event in 1999. They were co-hosts (with the Czech Republic) of the European championship again in 2011, but only ranked 16th. Austria failed to qualify for the final round of the last two European Championships in 2013 and 2015.
Austria have also been consistent participants in the European League, with their best ranking being seventh place in 2008 and again in 2014.