The Romanian Volleyball Federation has officially decided to reduce the number of participants in Division A1 for men and women. From the 2027/2028 season, the elite league will consist of 10 teams instead of the current 12.
The decision is stipulated in Resolution No. 41 of the Management Board from February 26, 2026. The 2026/2027 championship will be the last one held in a 12-team format, after which the reduction will follow.
Transitional season and new reality
The current system cannot be changed on the fly, which is why the next season will be played according to the existing model. Only then will the new 10-team format be implemented.
The idea of reducing the number of participants was discussed as early as the summer, with the reasons related to the economic realities in Romanian volleyball. Currently, 10 teams participate in the women's league (with no relegation), and 11 in the men's league, despite the regulations stating 12 spots.
Bulgarian presence in Bucharest
The decision also has a direct impact on Bulgarian volleyball players in the Romanian elite league.
In the squad ofSteaua (Bucharest)playKrasimir GeorgievandSvetoslav Ivanov, while inDinamo (Bucharest)isBranimir Grozdanov.
Both clubs are traditionally among the leading factors in the championship, which means that with the new format, the competition for a spot in the top ten will be even tougher. The reduction in the number of teams will logically increase the intensity of the regular season and limit the room for errors.
What will the new model be?
It is still unclear how the relegation and promotion system will be structured in the transitional 2026/2027 season, in order to reach a total of 10 teams. The question of the format from 2027/2028 also remains open – whether a playoff with eight teams and direct relegation of the last two will be maintained, or a different scheme without a playout will be introduced.
One thing is certain – for the Bulgarians playing for Steaua and Dinamo, every victory will be more significant in the battle for stable positioning in the elite league of our northern neighbor.
Photo:cev.eu
