The European Handball Federation -EHF- has announced the creation of the European Handball Games, a new national team tournament set to take place every four years from 2030. The event will bring together the top eight men’s and women’s national teams in Europe, competing on alternating matchdays during a designated national team week. Notably, the winning team will earn Europe’s direct Olympic qualification spot, a prize that enhances both the sporting and symbolic value of the competition.
The announcement is part of the EHF’s strategic plan to modernize its competition portfolio and strengthen the international profile of European handball. With the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 taking place outside Europe, the federation aims to ensure that a tournament of Olympic quality continues to be hosted on the continent. “With the Olympic Games being staged outside Europe, we want to guarantee that handball of Olympic-level quality is also played here. This is the next step for national teams: ‘Next level. Every game,’” said Michael Wiederer, President of the EHF.
Building an attractive product
The European Handball Games will follow a compact, broadcast-friendly format inspired by the structure of the Olympic Games. Each edition will be staged every four years, preferably in September, during an international week reserved for national teams. The EHF is already working with national federations and clubs to coordinate the calendar and logistics of the new event, following initial discussions held this week in Vienna.
The goal is to establish a distinctive competition with a clear identity and visual appeal that elevates the prestige of European handball while enhancing its media value. According to the EHF, the combination of elite national teams, a concise schedule and an Olympic-style narrative will create a product with greater commercial return for sponsors, broadcasters and digital platforms.
A broader trend in European sport
The initiative aligns with a wider trend among European sports federations seeking to develop branded events that strengthen both identity and financial sustainability. Similar to the UEFA Nations League or the European Athletics Team Championships, the EHF is introducing a format that blends high-level competition with entertainment value. The aim is to ensure consistent media exposure and maintain engagement with fans between major international championships.
The announcement of the European Handball Games comes alongside other key reforms approved by the EHF Executive Committee, including the expansion of the EHF Champions League and the introduction of a new competition format for the EHF European League. Together, these measures represent a coordinated institutional growth strategy to increase visibility, commercial value and long-term stability across both club and national team competitions.
A Strategic Vision Toward 2030
Through the creation of the European Handball Games, the EHF aims to strengthen its control over broadcasting rights, create a more attractive platform for sponsors and bring better balance to the national team calendar. The federation envisions the new event as a milestone for fans and a model of modern sports organization aligned with the values and aesthetics of the Olympic Movement.
Details regarding the qualification system and final competition format will be presented at the next EHF Executive Committee meeting in December 2025.
