European club water polo is set for a major boost with the introduction of the Conference Cup, a brand-new competition launching in the 2025/26 season. Organized by European Aquatics, this third-tier tournament will create additional high-level matchups across the continent, enhancing club development and competitive opportunities.

Positioned between the Euro Cup and the Challenger Cup, the Conference Cup will feature teams from the top-ranked national leagues, as well as clubs relegated from the Euro Cup, ensuring a consistently strong level of play.

Much like the existing Challenger Cup, the Conference Cup will follow a tournament-based format, with matches hosted in various cities across Europe. The season will culminate in a Final Eight showdown, where the champions will be crowned.

This expansion solidifies the Champions League and Euro Cup as the pinnacle of European club water polo while offering ambitious teams a structured pathway to climb the ranks. As an added incentive, the winners of the Challenger Cup, Conference Cup, and Euro Cup will earn promotion to the next tier the following season, irrespective of their domestic league standings.

With the introduction of a fourth major European club competition—available for both men’s and women’s teams—European Aquatics reaffirms its commitment to growing the sport at all levels, giving more players and clubs the chance to compete on the biggest stage.