2026 USA Water Polo National League Kicks Off with High Stakes, Big Performances, and a Historic Prize Pool
Posted by S&R Sport x Delfina USA on Feb 13th 2026
The 2026 USA Water Polo Men’s National League officially kicked off the first weekend in February in Orange County, California, and Week 1 delivered exactly what fans were hoping for: elite competition, standout performances, and a glimpse into what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting National League seasons to date.
With a newly expanded league, FREE admission to all matches, LIVE streaming, real-time stats, and, most notably, a historic $25,000 prize pool, the 2026 National League has raised the bar for professional water polo in the United States.
A Historic First: $25,000 Prize Pool Raises the Stakes
For the first time in league history, the USA Water Polo National League will award $25,000 in prize money, distributed among the top three Open Division teams at the National League Championship, set for May 1–3 in Southern California.
The prize purse is made possible by Holos Law Group, LLP, marking a major step forward for the league and the sport as a whole.
“Top-level competition that comes with prize money helps build excitement not just among the athletes but also the fans,” said Jon Wieman, Managing Partner at Holos Law Group. “Our goal is to help grow the sport in this country and grow this league.”
USA Water Polo CEO Jamie Davis echoed that sentiment, noting that the addition of prize money will elevate the caliber of play while attracting players and spectators from across the country and around the world.
Week 1 Standings Snapshot
After an action-packed opening weekend, several teams have already separated themselves in the standings:
Red Division Leader
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Los Angeles Athletic Club (LAAC) - 3-0
Blue Division Leaders
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New York Athletic Club (NYAC) - 3-0
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Mission - 3-0
18U Division Unbeaten Teams
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Dons WPC
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La Jolla United
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Newport
For complete Week 1 results and current standings, fans can follow the league online.
Los Angeles Athletic Club Dominates the Red Division
LAAC wasted no time asserting itself as a title contender, opening the season with three convincing wins over Anteater, Fight On, and NL Lions.
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Filip Filipović led the charge with multiple five-goal performances and a perfect 13 for 13 shooting on the weekend.
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Dénes Varga and Andras Tóth provided veteran firepower
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Apostolos Georgaras exploded for 7 goals, 2 assists, and 2 steals against NL Lions
Game of the Week: LAAC vs Fight On
The Week 1 Game of the Week at UC Irvine lived up to the hype. In a back-and-forth thriller, Jack Pointner scored the game-winner with under three minutes remaining, sealing a dramatic 15–14 victory for LAAC.
Blue Division Powerhouses: NYAC and Mission Go 3–0
New York Athletic Club
NYAC opened the season strong with wins over USA B, Riverside, and Long Beach AF.
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Gianpiero Di Martire was electric, including a six-goal performance
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Balanced scoring and disciplined defense highlighted NYAC’s depth
Mission
Powered by Olympic bronze medalist Ryder Dodd, Mission matched NYAC with a perfect Week 1.
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Dodd recorded multiple five-goal games
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Strong contributions from Bode Brinkema, Ben Liechty, Jack Merrill, and Wade Sherlock
Mission is looking every bit like a championship contender after claiming the 2025 National League title.
18U Division: The Future of USA Water Polo Shines
The Southern California 18U division showcased incredible young talent, with Dons WPC, La Jolla United, and Newport all starting 3-0.
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Maximus Bruhn (Dons WPC) delivered dominant scoring performances
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Quinn Daniels and Leon Kaszán (La Jolla United) filled the stat sheet
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Declan Bartlett (Newport) led his squad with clutch scoring and leadership
These athletes represent the next generation of elite American water polo, and they’re already making noise.
Save City: Goalkeepers Steal the Spotlight
Outstanding goalkeeping performances were on full display in Week 1:
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Sergi Ramon (Long Beach AF) - 15 saves
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Elliott King (18U Channel Islands United) - 14 saves in a single match, 34 total saves to lead the 18U division
League Leaders After Week 1
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Top Open Division Scorer: Johann Thrall (Anteater) - 15 goals
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Top 18U Scorer: Vaughan Baker (Shore Aquatics) - 19 goals
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Top Goalkeeper (Open): Charlie Mills (Fight On) - 20 saves
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Earned Exclusions Leader (Open): Strahinja Krstić - 16
6-8 Sports serves as the official stat provider, delivering LIVE stats, box scores, and league leaderboards throughout the season.
Watch, Stream, and Stay Connected
One of the best parts of the National League?
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FREE admission to all matches
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LIVE streaming & replays on Overnght.com and the Overnght app
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LIVE stats via 6-8 Sports
Be sure to follow @USAWP and use the official hashtag #USAWPNL on social media to join the conversation.
Up Next: Week 2 Action
The 2026 National League continues February 20–22, with games hosted across Southern California and at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. Fans can also catch weekly breakdowns on Water Polo Wednesday on YouTube.
Final Word from S&R Sport x Delfina USA
The 2026 USA Water Polo National League is setting a new standard for the sport, with bigger stakes, deeper talent, and unmatched access for fans. At S&R Sport x Delfina USA, we’re proud to support the athletes, clubs, and future stars who make this league special.
Stay locked in - this season is just getting started!
