New European water polo competition set to boost quality and club development

European Aquatics is delighted to announce the introduction of an exciting new water polo club competition – the Conference Cup – for both men’s and women’s teams from the start of the 2025/26 season.

The tier-three tournament will sit above the existing Challenger Cup and provide more top teams from the highest-ranked nations the chance to compete against similar opposition from across the continent.

As well as the opportunity to qualify through their national division ranking, clubs dropping down from the Euro Cup will also now be able to continue their European campaigns in the new Conference Cup.

Similar to the Challenger Cup structure, all the games in the highly-anticipated Conference Cup will take place in tournament-based rounds held in host cities across Europe, before a thrilling Final Eight competition will decide the winners.  

The Champions League and Euro Cup will continue to be water polo’s showpiece club events, with highly-competitive, top quality games throughout the season.

As an incentive for all the teams, coaches and players wanting to take the next step up the ladder, the winners of the Challenger Cup, Conference Cup and Euro Cup will have the chance to compete one level above the following season, regardless of their national league ranking.

The Champions League winners will also retain the existing right to participate in next year’s elite competition.

With four major club tournaments now on offer each season – for both men and women – European Aquatics remains committed to developing all aspects of water polo and looks forward to seeing more teams and players competing on the finest of stages.

For more details about the club competition structures for next season, please click here.

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