Welcome to the IKF Korfball Champions League!

The International Korfball Federation (IKF) and IKF Europe started last year a new format for the Korfball Champions League (KCL) – Europe’s premier club competition.

Following feedback from national federations and clubs after the first editions of the KCL, the structure was refined to make the competition fairer, easier to follow, and more accessible for everyone involved.

A new chapter for European korfball

Launched in 2022, the KCL replaced both the IKF Europa Cup (established nearly 60 years ago) and the IKF Europa Shield (introduced 20 years ago). By combining the best elements of both, the KCL has created a stronger and more connected European club scene.

With the new format, the 2025/26 edition and the 2026/27 will allow up to 24 club teams to take part, expanding to 32 teams in the next seasons. This growth provides more opportunities for players, coaches, and officials to gain valuable international experience.

The new format

The competition now features four tiers – Qualifier, Satellite, Challenger, and the KCL Final – each designed to deliver balanced and competitive matchups.

• Four tournaments per season (Qualifier, Satellite, Challenger, Final)
• Eight teams per tournament, with promotion and relegation between seasons
• One event per team per season – reducing travel demands while maintaining high-quality competition
• Full-length matches played over five days (Tuesday to Saturday)
• One match per team per day
• Clean slate for clubs – no penalties for withdrawals in 2025/26

Each event includes three group-stage games, followed by semi-finals and finals, ensuring competitive balance while allowing time for rest, social interaction, and easier travel.

Confirmed hosts for 2026/27

• KCL Satellite – Prievidza, Slovakia (3–5 December 2026)
• KCL Challenger – Kemer, Türkiye (12–16 January 2027)
• KCL Final – Lisbon, Portugal (2–6 February 2027)

These cities bring strong local support and proven experience in hosting korfball events, setting the stage for another exciting season.

Follow the IKF to keep up with all the latest KCL news and announcements.