The CEV Board of Administration has finalized its comprehensive evaluation of applications for wildcards into the elite 2026 CEV Champions League Volley. The selection process has concluded, and the five clubs chosen to join the continent`s top volleyball competition have been confirmed.
The three wildcards for the men`s tournament have been awarded to Halkbank ANKARA (TUR), Asseco Resovia RZESZOW (POL), and MONTPELLIER HSC VB (FRA). In the women`s division, the two available wildcards go to Zeren Sports Club ANKARA (TUR) and Igor Gorgonzola NOVARA (ITA).
There was significant interest in securing these exclusive opportunities to compete in the CEV Champions League, with a total of 17 applications received from clubs across both genders. The CEV Board had previously decided to reinstate wildcards as part of an effort to enhance the competition`s profile. Applications were assessed against a set of transparent and clearly defined criteria, which had been communicated in advance to all interested parties.
Ultimately, the CEV Board of Administration sought to achieve a balance that would ensure highly competitive matches while simultaneously boosting the marketability of the CEV Champions League Volley across Europe and beyond. Consequently, the market potential of both the applicant clubs and their respective home countries played a crucial role in arriving at a well-informed decision. This decision by the CEV Board aims to establish a competition that not only strives for excellence in all aspects but also effectively represents the diverse nature of the European Volleyball community. This strategic, holistic, and forward-looking approach, combined with the participation of leading teams determined by the latest CEV European Ranking, is expected to make the 2026 edition an unprecedented spectacle for fans and significantly elevate its commercial standing.
The five teams selected – three men’s and two women’s clubs – are noted for their strong histories and their dedication to long-term growth and achieving excellence. They are situated in key markets for European Volleyball, boast impressive and ever-expanding fan bases, and possess an appeal that is anticipated to be a major asset for potential sponsors and partners. As previously announced, these wildcard teams will begin their participation directly in the 4th Round (the pool phase) of the CEV Champions League, filling the spots that would have otherwise been occupied by Russian teams, who remain ineligible for international competition under the current circumstances.
The introduction and allocation of these wildcards represent an initial phase 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 substantial potential – particularly from a commercial perspective – that the CEV aims to fully unlock and capitalize on.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood