The CEV Board of Administration has finalized its thorough review of wildcard applications for the 2026 CEV Champions League Volley, confirming the five clubs set to join Europe`s premier club competition. Halkbank ANKARA (TUR), Asseco Resovia RZESZOW (POL), and MONTPELLIER HSC VB (FRA) were granted the three wildcards for the men`s tournament, while Zeren Sports Club ANKARA (TUR) and Igor Gorgonzola NOVARA (ITA) received the two wildcards for the women`s division.
Interest in securing these coveted spots in the CEV Champions League was significant, with a total of 17 applications submitted across both genders. The CEV Board had decided to reintroduce wildcards to enhance the visibility and prestige of the competition. The selection process involved evaluating applications against a set of clear and well-defined criteria that were previously communicated to all interested parties.
Ultimately, the CEV Board aimed to achieve a balance that would ensure highly competitive matches while also enhancing the marketability of the CEV Champions League Volley across Europe and beyond. Consequently, the market potential of the applicants and their respective home countries played a crucial role in the final, informed decision. This approach establishes a foundation for a competition that strives for excellence in all aspects while also reflecting the diverse nature of the European Volleyball community. It is a strategic, comprehensive, and forward-looking decision which, combined with the participation of top-ranked teams based on the latest CEV European Ranking, promises a 2026 edition that will captivate fans like never before and elevate its commercial standing.
The five selected teams – three men`s and two women`s clubs – possess impressive track records and demonstrate both the capability and ambition for sustained growth and high performance. They represent key markets for European Volleyball, boast large and continuously growing fan bases, and hold appeal that is expected to be a major advantage for potential sponsors and partners. As previously announced, these teams will commence their participation directly in the 4th Round (pool phase) of the CEV Champions League, effectively taking the places of Russian teams, who remain ineligible for international competition under current circumstances.
The introduction and allocation of wildcards represent a significant initial step in the ongoing efforts by the CEV leadership to modernize the CEV Champions League Volley. This competition remains a true jewel in the crown of European Volleyball, with considerable untapped potential, particularly from a commercial perspective, yet to be fully realized and leveraged.
