European handball participation outside of the Champions League frequently operates as a financial deficit for clubs, according to handball expert Ole Erevik and multiple team representatives speaking to Dagbladet. While football clubs often secure substantial financial windfalls from continental play, European cups in handball largely function as significant cost burdens for participating teams across the continent.

The Financial Reality of European Handball Cups

According to former player and expert Bent Svele, public perception often conflates the multi-million-dollar revenues seen in European football with the financial realities of handball. Instead of generating revenue, qualifying rounds for competitions like the EHF European League require clubs to cover nearly all operational expenses out of pocket.

Molde HK Elite board chairman Per Gjerde told Dagbladet that his club must independently fund referee fees, delegate expenses, and travel costs. For their upcoming qualification matchup against Greece’s PAOK, Molde anticipates a heavily negative financial outcome. Gjerde noted that flight expenses alone for the qualifier approach nearly 200,000 kroner. Despite receiving travel grants from Norsk Topphåndball and the Norwegian Handball Federation, Gjerde stated that the funding falls short of covering the total expense, turning what was historically a break-even proposition into a clear financial loss.

Did you know?

According to EHF regulations for the 2026/2027 season, women’s clubs earn zero prize money during the initial three qualification rounds. Group stage payouts are capped at 3000 euro (32 400 kroner) per match and 1000 euro (10 800 kroner) per earned point.

Norwegian Clubs Decline Continental Bids

The steep financial exposure has prompted several Norwegian men’s teams to reject continental participation altogether ahead of upcoming seasons. Drammen, Sandefjord, Bergen, and Fjellhammer all declined European tournament spots for the current season.

Drammen coach and general manager Kristian Kjelling explained to Drammens Tidende that deep runs in the EHF European Cup can cost a club between 500 000 and én million kroner in losses. Kjelling noted that facing unfamiliar international opponents makes it difficult to draw large crowds to the arena, creating an unsustainable financial risk.

Tertnes Håndball Elite general manager Marit Brox reported similar expectations of running a deficit during qualification rounds. Brox explained that while successful sporting results and external supporter backing brought previous group stage campaigns into balanced territory, future financial outcomes depend entirely on travel costs, match results, and opponent draw appeal.

Balancing Sporting Ambitions Against Rising Costs

Handball experts acknowledge the profound tension between club survival and player development. Ole Erevik emphasized that continental participation remains a pinnacle experience for athletes seeking international competition and career growth. Bent Svele echoed these concerns, noting that international exposure is crucial for players with national team ambitions.

However, Svele criticized the European Handball Federation’s revenue generation models, pointing to the third-tier European cup as a pure financial loss due to heavy travel expenses. Both experts highlighted that financial strain extends beyond Norwegian borders, affecting clubs throughout Europe.

Norges Håndballforbund communication chief Lars Hojem Kvam outlined the structural funding framework to Dagbladet, confirming that around 2,1 million kroner of total framework funds are earmarked specifically for European-participating clubs for the 2026/2027 season, with Norsk Topphåndball retaining the flexibility to allocate additional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do handball clubs make a profit from playing in Europe?

No. According to club leaders and experts interviewed by Dagbladet, most clubs operate at a financial loss during European qualification and lower-tier tournaments due to high travel, referee, and operational costs.

Why do some Norwegian clubs decline European qualification spots?

Clubs like Drammen have declined European bids because deep tournament runs can generate losses ranging between 500 000 and én million kroner, driven by heavy travel expenses and low ticket sales against unfamiliar opponents.

How much financial support do Norwegian clubs receive for Europe?

Through a framework agreement between the Norwegian Handball Federation and Norsk Topphåndball, around 2,1 million kroner is earmarked for clubs participating in Europe for the 2026/2027 season.

Many Must Say No: It Is Sad

Join the Discussion

What are your thoughts on the financial challenges facing European handball clubs? Share your perspective in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates.