The 2022–23 LEN Challenger Cup was the inaugural edition of a water polo competition organised by the Ligue Européenne de Natation (LEN). It acts as the third tier, below the LEN Champions League and the LEN Euro Cup. GS Apollon Smyrnis of Greece became the first champions, defeating CN Terrassa of Spain in the final.
Creation
In June 2022, LEN announced the introduction of the LEN Challenger Cup. This tournament was designed to help developing countries and club grow and play more European club games.
Format
Fifteen teams, who had been eliminated from the Champions League and Euro Cup, were divided into three groups of four and one group of three. The groups were held in one country. At the end of the group stage, the top two teams advanced to the Knockout Stage. In the Knockout Stage, the ties were played in a home and away format.
Composition of teams
(CL: Eliminated in Champions League; EC: Eliminated in Euro Cup).
Schedule
Rounds and dates
Draw
The draw took place on the 26th of October.
Group Stage
Group A
11–13 November 2022, Novaky, Slovakia.
Group B
12–13 November 2022, Terrassa, Spain.
Group C
11–13 November 2022, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Group D
11–13 November 2022, Kranj, Slovenia.
Knockout Stage
The draw for the Knockout Stage was made on the 20 of November 2022.