Handball Champions League begins with three German clubs competing

Handball Champions League SC Magdeburg European Handball Federation Bennet Wiegert professional handball

The Handball Champions League is beginning a new season featuring a revamped format and an expanded field of 24 teams. For the first time in nine years, three German clubs—SC Magdeburg, Füchse Berlin, and MT Melsungen—are competing for the European title.

SC Magdeburg, the reigning German champions and two-time recent winners of the trophy, will open their campaign at home against Norwegian side Kolstad Handball. Coach Bennet Wiegert noted the team's anticipation for the matchup, which also features goalkeeper Dominik Kuzmanovic making his Champions League debut. Magdeburg's group also includes Industria Kielce and HC Kriens-Luzern.

The new tournament structure consists of six preliminary groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group advance to a main round, followed by a knockout quarterfinal stage. The competition will culminate in the Final4 tournament in Cologne in June 2027.