In a significant move set to reshape the landscape of European women`s club volleyball, the CEV Champions League Volley has announced a landmark naming partnership with ZEREN Group for its 2026 edition. This collaboration is poised to elevate the competition`s profile and solidify its position as the premier event in global women`s volleyball.
The agreement marks the first naming rights deal for the Women`s Champions League in almost a decade, signaling renewed commercial interest and strategic investment in the sport. Under the terms of this partnership, the event will be officially known as the CEV ZEREN Group Champions League Volley 2026 Women.
Meet the Partner: ZEREN Group
ZEREN Group is a diversified conglomerate with its origins in Türkiye, a nation where women`s volleyball enjoys immense popularity and has produced powerhouse clubs and world-class players. The group operates across a broad spectrum of eight sectors, including energy, shipping, and finance, spanning four continents. Their decision to invest in the CEV Women`s Champions League reflects a clear commitment to supporting team sports and athletes, particularly within the thriving discipline of women`s volleyball. One might observe, not without a hint of pragmatism, that aligning with the top European competition is a rather effective way to demonstrate support for a sport already beloved in their home market.
Vision for the Future
CEV President Roko Sikirić articulated that the partnership is a direct outcome of efforts to capitalize on the “immense and still largely untapped potential” of the Champions League. He expressed confidence that the collaboration with ZEREN Group will help propel the competition to “unprecedented levels,” aiming to deliver an “unforgettable experience” for participants and fans alike. The stated goal is to establish the CEV ZEREN Group Champions League Volley as a global benchmark for both international volleyball and women`s sports in general.
Mustafa Yiğit Zeren, Chairman and CEO of ZEREN Group, shared his pride in becoming associated with the league he termed the “world`s premier Volleyball league.” He emphasized the group`s dedication to contributing to the Turkish economy while simultaneously supporting sports. Zeren sees the partnership as a “significant milestone” for the future of Turkish volleyball and believes the enhanced competition will “inspire a new generation of young girls” to pursue their athletic dreams.
The 2026 season is scheduled to commence in October with the initial qualification rounds. However, immediate attention turns to the highly anticipated Drawing of Lots, where the group stage composition will be determined. This key event is set to take place tomorrow, July 15th, at 12:00 CEST, broadcast live from the Broadcasting Centre Europe (BCE) in Luxembourg City.
Torin Vale