Pro Recco and FTC water polo stars all set to light up New York

In the world of water polo, few names command as much respect as Italy’s Pro Recco and Hungary’s Ferencváros. The two European giants, dominant not only in their domestic leagues, but across the continent, are set to add a historic new chapter to their storied rivalry in September when they clash across the Atlantic in New York.

Pro Recco are Europe’s most decorated club after winning 11 Champions League titles, and are the current Euro Cup holders, while Ferencváros triumphed in the last two editions of the Champions League in 2024 and 2025.

‘For years, Pro Recco has invested energy and resources in promoting water polo, and this US tour is a natural step in a journey we deeply believe in, a journey we hope will benefit not just our club, but the entire sport,’ said Pro Recco president Maurizio Felugo.

‘We firmly believe that inspiring the next generation, sparking passion among young fans, and giving them a dream to chase is just as important as winning trophies.’

The ground-breaking initiative has been months in the making and will see Pro Recco and Ferencváros face-off in two exhibition series, which also include Princeton, Fordham and NCAA men’s champions UCLA.

Match Schedule for New York
September 3 – Asphalt Green, Upper East Side

6:00 PM EST – Pro Recco v UCLA
7:30 PM EST – Princeton v FTC-Telekom

September 4 – Asphalt Green, Upper East Side

7:30 PM EST – Pro Recco v FTC-Telekom

Match Schedule for Princeton Invitational Tournament
September 6 – Denunzio Pool, Princeton, NJ

5:00 PM EST – Pro Recco v Princeton
6:30 PM EST – FTC-Telekom v Fordham

September 7 – Denunzio Pool, Princeton, NJ

2:00 PM EST – Pro Recco v FTC-Telekom

These games are far more than friendlies, as both Pro Recco and FTC are aiming to showcase elite water polo to a much wider audience, especially to fans in America, where the sport is enjoying a renewed surge of interest.

‘I think it’s a fantastic idea, and it’s also a huge compliment to Ferencváros that we can be a part of it,’ FTC coach Nyéki Balázs told his club’s website. ‘We work for the sport every day, and these matches absolutely help to promote it in the United States, which is a huge market.

‘Water polo is known to a narrow circle, but now the American community is also included since their men’s national team won silver at the Olympics in 2008, and most recently they won bronze in Paris.

‘I am proud they invited us, and it will also be a great preparation for us for the forthcoming season, which we will start immediately with the Hungarian Cup.’

‘Water polo has exploded as one of America’s fastest-growing sports, with high school participation surging 25% nationwide,’ added Pro Recco coach Sandro Sukno.

‘These matches represent more than competition – it’s a platform to inspire the next wave of American talent while demonstrating that elite water polo belongs on the US stage.’

The clashes between Recco and FTC in America will also extend well beyond the confines of the pool, as a half-time fan experience will offer select ticket holders a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – the chance to dive into the pool and take a penalty against a world-class goalkeeper – either from Ferencváros or Pro Recco.

A special water polo clinic for athletes aged 11-18 is also being held at Princeton University’s Denunzio pool on August 31, from 11:30AM to 2:30PM, where participants will have the opportunity to meet and train with the Pro Recco team and coach Sandro Sukno. More information about the clinic can be found by clicking here.

‘The matches we’ll play in America, especially against a giant like FTC-Telekom, promise to be thrilling, not only for the competition in the pool, but for the unique entertainment and experiences in the stands,’ continued Felugo.

‘We’re also excited to face top US programs like UCLA and Princeton, who have raised their level year after year and are developing players ready to shine on the world stage.

‘The American movement is growing fast and heading toward LA 2028 with real momentum. We’re proud to support that growth, and we take on that responsibility with joy, respect, and pride.

‘This tour strengthens an already solid bond between Pro Recco and the US. In 2019, we visited California and trained with Stanford and Berkeley.

‘Last season, two American players, Ben Hallock and Jack Larsen, played a key role in Recco winning the historic treble, especially after a summer filled with uncertainty. And starting this August, we’re thrilled to welcome Max Irving, the captain of Team USA: a fantastic athlete we expect to make a big impact both in and out of the pool.

‘We are very much looking forward to this tour and our visit to the US, where we are proud to offer American water polo fans the opportunity to witness some of the world’s top players in action. I want to thank our ownership, whose vision and dedication are a powerful asset for the sport.

‘Thanks to them, Pro Recco is growing beyond just competition, with the ambition to become a globally recognised icon and an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. We’re building something lasting and unique, and aiming to take water polo where it has never gone before.’

Tickets for the games in New York can be purchased by clicking here and all the New York matches will be live streamed on Overnght, the official streaming partner of the Pro Recco 2025 World Tour.

Andy Rollé for European Aquatics

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