"Ludwigsburg's Prominent Athlete Disappointed"
HB Ludwigsburg, the German women's handball champions of the 2024/25 season, find themselves in a precarious position following severe financial difficulties and bankruptcy proceedings. As a result, the club has been disqualified from participating in the 2025/26 EHF Women's Champions League and the German Women's Handball Super Cup [1][3].
The club's inability to secure necessary funding and a sponsor has led to its disqualification and withdrawal from major competitions. This decision has far-reaching consequences, with Norway’s Sola HK replacing Ludwigsburg in the Champions League group stage and Thüringer HC, the reigning Women's EHF European League winner, taking Ludwigsburg's spot in the Super Cup [1][2][5].
The Women's Handball Bundesliga (HBF) has officially withdrawn Ludwigsburg from the Super Cup, criticising the club's financial mismanagement [1][2][3]. The league is still considering whether HB Ludwigsburg will be allowed to participate in the new Bundesliga season.
The financial collapse of HB Ludwigsburg has affected its players, including the prominent figure of Karolina Kudlacz-Gloc. The club announced that it could not maintain player contracts due to financial problems, implying that all players, including Kudlacz-Gloc, face contract terminations or uncertainties [1].
Kudlacz-Gloc, a long-time top player for HB Ludwigsburg, has expressed emotional distress over the club's financial collapse. She stated that she is not mentally ready for a decision regarding her future in handball. Kudlacz-Gloc, along with her teammates, is currently facing the decision to either stay in Ludwigsburg for lower wages, switch teams, or retire [1].
Captain Xenia Smits of HB Ludwigsburg is reportedly in negotiations with a top club abroad. Kudlacz-Gloc, however, has turned down all offers due to her inability to make a decision mentally at this time. She has won a total of 15 German championships and cup victories in her career and remains hopeful about her future in handball [1].
More clarity regarding the new season is expected next week, with another license review for HB Ludwigsburg announced. Despite the challenges, Kudlacz-Gloc believes she still has a lot to offer to the handball world, and the German champion and cup winner have not yet ruled out a start in the new Bundesliga season [1].
References: 1. Handball-Planet 2. Sport1 3. Sport Bild 4. Sportschau 5. EHF
- The financial difficulties faced by HB Ludwigsburg have forced their withdrawal from major sports competitions, such as the EHF Women's Champions League and the German Women's Handball Super Cup.
- Karolina Kudlacz-Gloc, a prominent player for HB Ludwigsburg, is currently facing contract uncertainties due to the club's financial collapse, with the possibility of having to switch teams or retire from sports.
