Europe`s elite women`s volleyball clubs are eagerly anticipating the Drawing of Lots for the upcoming CEV Champions League Volley season, the continent`s premier club competition.
The CEV has confirmed that a total of 20 teams will participate in the 4th round of the women`s tournament. Sixteen teams have already secured their spots, with the remaining four to be determined by the winners of the 3rd round, set to conclude with doubleheader matches in September.
The highly anticipated Drawing of Lots ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at 12:00 CEST in Luxembourg. This event will define the pool compositions, setting the stage for another thrilling campaign as clubs vie for Europe`s most coveted title.
Confirmed Teams and Powerhouses
Italy leads the charge with four formidable teams in the main draw: A. Carraro Prosecco DOC Conegliano, Savino Del Bene Scandicci, Numia Vero Volley Milano, and Igor Gorgonzola Novara. Conegliano, a perennial favorite and reigning champion, along with Novara, have both previously lifted the trophy, consistently reaching the competition`s final stages.
Türkiye also demonstrates significant strength, fielding four top-tier teams: Eczacibasi Istanbul, VakifBank Istanbul, Fenerbahçe Medicana Istanbul, and Ankara Zeren Spor Kulübü. While the three Istanbul powerhouses are regular contenders, Ankara Zeren Spor Kulübü aims to make its mark with determination.
Other confirmed participants include three Polish sides – ŁKS Commercecon Łódź, Grot Budowlani Łódź, and Developres Rzeszów – and two German teams – Dresdner SC and SSC Palmberg Schwerin. Single representatives will come from Serbia (OK Železničar Lajkovac), France (Levallois Paris Saint Cloud), and Romania (CS Volei Alba Blaj).
Wildcard Selections and Remaining Spots
The final four spots in the main lineup will be filled by the victors of the 3rd round`s preliminary doubleheader matches.
Two wildcards were granted for this season`s women`s competition: Ankara Zeren Spor Kulübü and Igor Gorgonzola Novara. The CEV Board of Administration`s decision to award these wildcards was driven by a commitment to ensuring highly competitive matches, while also considering the marketability of the CEV Champions League Volley across Europe and beyond. The market potential of the applicant clubs and their respective home countries played a crucial role in this well-informed decision.
