CEV Board of Administration confirms wildcard recipients for Champions League 2026

On Tuesday the CEV Board of Administration completed their thorough review of the applications for wildcards to join the 2026 edition of the elite CEV Champions League Volley, thereby confirming the names of the five clubs due to join the continental elite of the sport. Halkbank ANKARA (TUR), Asseco Resovia RZESZOW (POL), and MONTPELLIER HSC VB (FRA) are the three recipients of the wildcards available for the men’s competition – with the two wildcards for the women’s division going to Zeren Sports Club ANKARA (TUR) and Igor Gorgonzola NOVARA (ITA). 

The interest in securing such an exclusive opportunity to compete in the CEV Champions League was truly massive with as many as 17 applications received across the two genders. The CEV Board of Administration had previously agreed to reintroduce wildcards in an effort to raise the profile of the competition with the applications measured through a series of transparent and well-defined criteria previously outlined to and shared with all parties involved. 

In the end, the CEV Board of Administration opted to strike a balance to ensure highly competitive matches, while taking into account the marketability of the CEV Champions League Volley across Europe and even further beyond, so the market potential of the applicants as well as of their respective home countries played a primary role as well in coming to a well-informed decision. Moreover, the decision of the CEV Board of Administration lays the groundwork for a competition that while striving for excellence in all areas will also help represent the diverse nature of the European Volleyball family. It is a strategic, holistic, and forward-thinking approach, which – combined with the participation of top teams via the latest CEV European Ranking – will account for a 2026 edition that will entertain fans like never before, while raising its commercial profile. 

The five teams – three men’s and two women’s clubs – selected boast impressive resumes and the ability and desire to pursue growth and excellence in the long term. They represent key markets for European Volleyball, have impressive, constantly growing fan bases, as well as an appeal that is likely to represent a major asset for sponsors and partners alike. As previously announced, these teams will start their journey in the 4th Round of the CEV Champions League (pool phase), thereby replacing the Russian teams that remain ineligible to participate in international competition under the current circumstances. 

The introduction and allocation of wildcards represent a first step in the ongoing efforts of the CEV leadership to modernise the CEV Champions League Volley, which remains a true crown jewel of European Volleyball, with much potential – especially from a commercial standpoint – still to be fully disclosed and capitalised on.