Why Water Polo Thrives in Europe (and How the U.S. Can Catch Up): Pro Recco & FTC Telekom in New York
Posted by S&R Sport with Quotes from Max Irving on Aug 29th 2025
When people think of Europe, soccer probably comes to mind first. But right behind the football stadiums and basketball gyms is another massive sport — water polo. In Europe, fans pack arenas, wave flags, bang drums, and live and breathe the game the same way Americans do with football or basketball.
A European Powerhouse
In countries like Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Spain, Italy, and Greece, water polo isn’t just a sport — it’s part of who they are. Kids grow up dreaming of playing for their local club or national team, and games get broadcast on TV the way the NBA or NFL does here.
Hungary is basically the capital of water polo, boasting more Olympic golds than anyone. Serbia and Croatia produce world-class players and legendary clubs. Italy and Spain have professional leagues where the best athletes in the world compete in front of packed, enthusiastic crowds.
These players are stars — and fans treat matches like soccer games, complete with chants, drums, and nonstop energy.
Why They Love It in Europe
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Tradition: Some clubs are more than 100 years old.
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Professional leagues: Players actually make a living.
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Media coverage: Games are on TV, streaming, and newspapers.
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Community pride: Cities rally around their teams the way small American towns rally around high school football.
Over there, water polo isn't a niche — it’s culture.
The U.S. Challenge
Water polo is growing in the U.S., with more clubs, tournaments, and players across the country. But we don’t yet have fully developed professional leagues, which is why top athletes often head overseas. That includes Max Irving, captain of the U.S. National Team.
“I was first introduced to water polo by my cousins who were playing in college at San Jose State,” Max says. “My mom took me and my siblings to one of their games, and I was immediately intrigued. I loved how the sport combined so many elements of other sports I enjoy — the fast pace of basketball, shooting on a goal like soccer or hockey, and team dynamics, all in the water. Once I started playing, I never looked back.”
After college at UCLA, Max moved to Europe to play professionally and push himself to the next level. “My first year abroad was 2018 with Posillipo in Italy. It was a huge commitment, but I knew that to make the U.S. National Team consistently and compete at the Olympic level, I needed to challenge myself daily against the best players in the world. Playing in Europe has been fundamental to my growth as both a player and a person.”
Max describes his first experience abroad as intense but transformative. “There’s a language barrier, a new team dynamic, and understanding your role on a new squad. It was challenging, but I wouldn’t be the player I am today without that experience.”
Now, Max plays for Pro Recco, the most decorated water polo club in the world. “Being at Recco is amazing. Every training, every game is at the highest level. It’s like an NBA All-Star shoot-around for water polo — it’s making me a better player and a stronger leader for Team USA,” he explains.
Why This September Is Huge for U.S. Fans
Something big is here: Pro Recco (Italy) and FTC Telekom (Hungary) — two of the top clubs globally — will play against each other and face three NCAA Top 10 teams: UCLA, Fordham, and Princeton in New York on September 3–4 and in Princeton, NJ on September 6–7, 2025.
It’s a rare occasion when U.S. fans can see world-class European club water polo live on American soil. The speed, skill, and intensity are unmatched.
And if you can’t make it to New York? You can still catch it live on Overnght streaming: https://www.overnght.com
Stop by the event to check out Pro Recco gear! Delfina USA powered by S&R Sport will be on-site selling official Pro Recco merchandise, so fans can grab jerseys, caps, and more. You can also purchase Pro Recco gear online anytime at https://srsport.com/team-pages/pro-recco/
How to Watch European Water Polo in the U.S.
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Overnght – the official streaming partner for the New York games and future European matches: https://www.overnght.com/
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ESPN+ and DAZN – select European league and Champions League coverage
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YouTube – Pro Recco and LEN Champions League post full matches and highlights
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Club social media – behind-the-scenes clips, highlights, and updates
