The quiet anticipation before the storm of elite club volleyball is building across Europe. The roster for the main phase of the CEV Champions League Volley Men 2025 season has been predominantly confirmed, setting the stage for another highly competitive and dramatic quest for the continental title.
This prestigious competition will feature 20 formidable teams in its 4th round, also known as the group stage. Eighteen of these coveted spots have been directly allocated to clubs based on their strong performances in domestic leagues and previous European campaigns. The remaining two places will be earned through the intense qualification rounds, ensuring that only the most resilient teams advance. The crucial moment where the fate of these clubs begins to unfold is the Drawing of Lots, scheduled for Tuesday, July 15th, in Luxembourg at 12:00 CEST. This event will plot the initial pathways in the journey towards ultimate victory.
Among the confirmed entries are numerous powerhouses of European volleyball. Italy, consistently a leading nation in the sport, sends three formidable representatives: reigning champions Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia, joined by fellow titans Trentino Itas and Cucine Lube Civitanova. Poland fields a strong contingent of four teams, including last season`s Final Four participant Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie, the recent CEV Challenge Cup winners PGE Projekt Warszawa, Bogdanka LUK Lublin, and Asseco Resovia Rzeszów. Türkiye adds its significant strength to the competition with three clubs: last season`s Final Four contender Halkbank Ankara, alongside Ziraat Bank Ankara and Galatasaray Istanbul.
Beyond these traditional heavyweights, the lineup features strong contenders from other nations. Germany will be represented by Berlin Recycling Volleys, a familiar face in the latter stages, and SVG Lüneburg, who emerged as a notable surprise package in the previous season. Belgium contributes two teams: Knack Roeselare and Volley Haasrode Leuven. The confirmed list is rounded out by VK Lvi Praha from Czechia, Montpellier HSC VB from France, and Sporting CP Lisboa from Portugal.
To cultivate a balanced and captivating tournament structure, while also considering the strategic growth and market appeal of the CEV Champions League Volley, the CEV Board of Administration carefully allocated wildcards. These special entries were awarded to Halkbank Ankara, Asseco Resovia Rzeszów, and Montpellier HSC VB. This decision reflects an effort to ensure high-quality matches and enhance the visibility of the competition in key markets across Europe and beyond.
While two spots await the successful qualifiers, the core composition of the 2025 CEV Champions League Men is now clear. The blend of established giants, ambitious clubs, and potential dark horses promises a season filled with intense rivalries, tactical battles, and memorable performances. As the Drawing of Lots approaches, the excitement among fans and teams alike escalates for what is set to be another thrilling chapter in Europe`s premier club volleyball competition.
