European Volleyball Is at a Crossroads—What Comes Next?
European club volleyball is in a tough spot. Financial struggles, declining interest in the CEV Champions League, and a growing gap between the top teams and the rest have led to a big question:
👉 Should we keep fixing the current system, or is it time to create a brand-new European Super League?
It’s a debate that’s heating up fast. Some say a Super League, modeled after basketball’s EuroLeague, could save club volleyball, making it more exciting and financially sustainable. Others argue that it could widen the gap between rich and small clubs, hurting the sport in the long run.
So what’s the right move? Let’s break it down.
Why Is a European Super League Even Being Discussed?
The idea isn’t new, but it’s gained momentum again in Poland, where the media has been questioning whether playing in European cups is even worth it anymore.
And honestly, they’ve got a point.
💰 The money isn’t there. Unlike football’s UEFA Champions League, where teams earn millions, volleyball clubs struggle to cover their costs. Prize money is low, sponsorships are limited, and for many teams, playing in CEV competitions isn’t financially rewarding.
📉 Interest is fading. This season, the women’s Champions League had just one round of qualifications—because not enough teams even wanted to compete. That speaks volumes.
⚖️ The competition is lopsided. The strongest teams keep getting stronger, while the rest struggle to keep up. This has made matches predictable and less exciting for fans.
With all of this happening, it’s no surprise that some are asking: Is it time for a Super League?
Why Now? New President, New Criticism
Here’s something interesting: For years, these concerns existed, but there was little public outcry.
That’s because among others, Poland, and Italy —as some of the most powerful volleyball nations—had big influence within CEV’s old administration. They helped shape policies and had the ability to push for change, yet they didn’t.
But now, just months after Roko Sikiric became CEV’s new president, the discussion has changed.
🔹 Is it because problems suddenly got worse?
🔹 Or is it because there’s new leadership, and some are unhappy with the shift?
Sikiric has been proactive, visiting key federations and listening to concerns, but let’s be real—big changes don’t happen overnight. If there’s going to be a major shift in European volleyball, it needs to be done right, not rushed.
Would a Super League Actually Work?
At first glance, a Super League sounds like the perfect solution.
✅ The best teams playing each other all season.
✅ More money from TV deals and sponsors.
✅ A more exciting competition for fans.
But here’s the problem:
❌ It could leave smaller clubs behind. If only elite teams play in the Super League, what happens to everyone else? The sport could become even more unbalanced.
❌ Financial success isn’t guaranteed. Even basketball’s EuroLeague—often used as a model—has struggled financially, or in other words, the ratio of the team’s rewards and earnings to its expenses often doesn’t even cover the costs. So, just creating a league doesn’t automatically mean more money.
❌ Would it hurt national leagues? If all the top teams focus on the Super League, does that make domestic leagues less competitive?
Instead of jumping into something new, maybe the real solution is fixing what’s already broken.
What’s the Better Alternative?
If a Super League isn’t the perfect fix, what can be done to improve European club volleyball?
🔹 Fix the CEV Champions League – Increase prize money, improve revenue sharing, and create a format that actually benefits clubs financially.
🔹 Make the competition more balanced – A tiered system could help create more exciting and competitive matchups instead of predictable results.
🔹 Strengthen national leagues – The stronger the domestic leagues, the better the overall level of volleyball.
🔹 Invest in youth development – Right now, top young talents from smaller countries get scooped up too early by big clubs, weakening their home leagues. Incentives for youth development could help make volleyball stronger everywhere.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Not Rush Into This
One thing is clear: European volleyball needs change. The current system isn’t working as well as it should.
But does that mean we should immediately create a Super League?
Maybe, maybe not. Roko Sikiric’s administration is still new. Instead of pushing for drastic change right away, maybe we should give time for real discussions and strategic improvements.
A European Super League might be the answer someday, but for now, the real question isn’t “Should we create a new league?”—it’s “How do we make volleyball better for everyone?”
This conversation is just getting started. What do you think?
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