The CEV Board of Administration concluded its extensive review of wildcard applications for the 2026 edition of the premier CEV Champions League Volley on Tuesday. This process confirmed the five clubs set to join Europe`s top-tier volleyball competition. The three men`s wildcards were granted to Halkbank ANKARA (TUR), Asseco Resovia RZESZOW (POL), and MONTPELLIER HSC VB (FRA). The two women`s wildcards were awarded to Zeren Sports Club ANKARA (TUR) and Igor Gorgonzola NOVARA (ITA).
The opportunity to compete in the CEV Champions League via a wildcard entry generated significant interest, with a substantial 17 applications received from both genders. The CEV Board had previously decided to reinstate wildcards as a means to elevate the competition`s profile. Applications were evaluated based on a set of clear and detailed criteria that had been communicated to all involved parties.
Ultimately, the CEV Board aimed for a balanced selection to ensure highly competitive matches while simultaneously boosting the marketability of the CEV Champions League Volley across Europe and internationally. The market potential of the applicant clubs and their respective countries played a crucial role in this well-considered decision. The Board`s choice lays the foundation for a competition that strives for excellence in all aspects and also represents the diverse nature of the European Volleyball community. This strategic, comprehensive, and forward-thinking approach, combined with the participation of top teams qualifying through the latest CEV European Ranking, is expected to result in a 2026 edition that will be exceptionally entertaining for fans and significantly enhance its commercial standing.
The five selected teams – three men`s and two women`s clubs – possess impressive histories and demonstrate the capability and ambition for long-term growth and success. They represent key markets for European Volleyball, enjoy large and steadily increasing fan bases, and their popularity is viewed as a major asset for attracting sponsors and partners. As previously announced, these wildcard recipients will commence their participation directly in the 4th Round of the CEV Champions League (the pool phase), filling the slots that would have been occupied by Russian teams, which remain ineligible for international competition under the current circumstances.
The introduction and allocation of these wildcards mark an initial step in the ongoing efforts by the CEV leadership to modernize the CEV Champions League Volley. This competition remains a true jewel in European Volleyball`s crown, with considerable potential, particularly from a commercial perspective, still waiting to be fully unlocked and utilized.
