European water polo continues to expand its footprint in the United States.
Ferencváros, the reigning European champion, and Pro Recco, the 2025 Euro Cup winner, are already preparing to launch their seasons with a promotional tour across New York and Princeton. But they won’t be the only European heavyweights making a splash on American shores this summer.
In early September, the California Golden Bears – one of the NCAA’s top programs – will host the Golden Bear Invitational in Berkeley. The two-day event will bring together some of the sport’s biggest names: Atlètic Barceloneta, bronze medalists at the 2025 Champions League Final Four in Malta; CN Marseille, who finished fourth after falling to Barceloneta in that bronze-medal clash; and San Francisco’s Olympic Club, runners-up in the 2025 USA National League.
Tournament schedule
- September 5: Barceloneta vs. Olympic Club; Marseille vs. California Bears
- September 6: Barceloneta vs. California Bears; Marseille vs. Olympic Club
A star-studded cast
Fans at Berkeley will see some of the sport’s biggest names, including eight reigning world champions in Barceloneta’s ranks. On the Marseille bench will be head coach Milos Scepanovic, fresh from his role as an assistant with Spain’s national team at the World Championships in Singapore.
Adding extra intrigue, the tournament will mark the debut of Max Casabella for Barceloneta. The Spanish international recently graduated from the University of California, where he starred for the Bears, and now returns to Berkeley in the colours of the Spanish champion.
Building bridges across the Atlantic
The Golden Bear Invitational underscores a growing trend: Europe’s elite clubs are increasingly seeking opportunities in the US, not just for promotion but to strengthen transatlantic ties and expose American fans to the very highest level of the sport.
With Barcelona, Marseille, Olympic Club, and the Golden Bears all in action, Berkeley is set to host one of the most exciting early-season showcases in world water polo.
Follow Waterpolo 360 on Facebook, Instagram and X