The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) has launched a procedure to select hosts for the Men's Nations League Final Four for 2026, 2027, and 2028. For the first time, host cities will be determined months before the start of the season, as part of a new approach to event planning and organization.
📌 What is changing?
Until now, the organizer of the Final Four was determined shortly before the final stage of the tournament, often based on urgent agreements and available infrastructure. This usually led to hosting by established countries such as Italy or Turkey.
However, from the 2026 season,the host will be known in advance, as part of a new transparent application process. Interested cities and federations can now submit official applications to CEV.
💶 Financial conditions
The necessary financial commitment for organizing the Final Four is1,000,000 euros.
The application deadline for 2026 expires in July 2025, and for 2027 and 2028 \u2013 byDecember 2025.
CEV states that this change is part of efforts for more rational budget management and longer-term planning.
🇵🇱 Polish interest in the new model
This yearthe city of Lodzhosted the finals, with the event attracting strong spectator interest and completely sold-out tickets. This heightened expectations that Poland might apply again to host in one of the coming years.
Sebastian Świderski, president of the Polish Volleyball Federation (PZPS), is among the active supporters of more structured and predictable tournaments. He and other representatives of leading national federations call for reforms in the calendar, which excessively burdens elite teams.
✅ What's next?
From now on, every federation wishing to organize the finals of the Nations League must submit:
A financially secured bid;
Detailed information about the venue, logistics, and marketing;
A commitment to a high level of organization and media coverage.
CEV will review all proposals and announce the selected cities in due course after the respective deadlines have expired.
