As the excitement builds for another thrilling club season, keeping track of all the action across Europe’s top water polo leagues can be overwhelming. When does each league kick off? Which matches are must-watch? Waterpolo360 has you covered! We’ve created a comprehensive guide to the start dates of national water polo leagues across Europe, so you won’t miss a beat as the season unfolds.
Spain
- Men’s League: Action begins this Saturday (5th October), with a blockbuster game between CN Sabadell and CN Barcelona. Expect fireworks from the start!
- Women’s League: Kicks off on 12th October, a week after the Spanish Super Cup. The first match? Copa de la Reina champions Sant Andreu face off against Champions League winners Sabadell—a clash of titans right out of the gate.
Italy
- Men’s League: Italian powerhouse Pro Recco begins its new chapter on 12th October against De Akker at home. Savona travels to Roma, while Brescia visits Quinto for a high-stakes encounter.
- Women’s League: Mark your calendar for 23rd October, when Rapallo takes on reigning Euro Cup winners Plebiscito Padova in a tantalizing opening day match.
Hungary
- Men’s League: The Hungarian league was the first to dive in, starting midweek last week. FTC, Vasas, and Szolnok have already secured dominant victories. The action resumes next week post-Champions League.
- Women’s League: All eyes on 10th October, when the women’s league kicks off with five matches, promising fast-paced, intense play across the board.
Greece
- Both leagues in Greece start on 12th October:
- Men’s League: Reigning champions Olympiacos face Glyfada in the opening weekend, while PAOK hosts Apollon Smyrnis in what promises to be an exciting clash.
- Women’s League: Highlight of the opening day will be Ethnikos vs Alimos—a matchup not to be missed.
France
- Men’s League: The much-depleted French league kicks off this weekend, with Marseille hosting Parisiens Taverny. Despite the absence of Cercle 93 and EN Tourcoing, fans can still expect fierce competition.
- Women’s League: Reigning champions Lille will face Nancy in a match that sets the tone for the season—although the league is missing powerhouse Mulhouse.
Germany
- Men’s League: 5th October brings an exciting start to the German league, with Duisburg hosting Spandau Berlin, and Ludwigsburg welcoming last year’s champions, Waspo Hannover. The opening games are set to be thrilling!
Serbia
- Men’s League: Serbia’s league kicks off on 12th October, with reigning Olympic champs Novi Beograd facing VK Sava, while Radnicki—a team on the rise—will battle it out with VK Dorcol.
Netherlands
- Men’s League: Already well underway, with De Ham leading the pack, joined by UZSC, Donk, De Zaan, and Amersfoort, who all secured wins on the opening matchday.
- Women’s League: One of the strongest leagues in Europe, with three title contenders—Zaan, Donk, and Polar—promising a thrilling season ahead
