"Ludwigsburg's star player disheartened"
In the wake of HB Ludwigsburg's financial collapse and insolvency filing in early August 2025, the future of long-time top player Karolina Kudlacz-Gloc remains uncertain[1]. The 40-year-old Polish backcourt player, a crowd favourite at HB Ludwigsburg for years, had been planning a comeback after missing the previous season[1].
The club's insolvency has thrown her plans into doubt, as Ludwigsburg has declared bankruptcy and released its entire squad, making Kudlacz-Gloc a free agent[2]. This situation opens potential opportunities for her to sign with other clubs, including Danish teams, as suggested in regional handball analysis. She is listed among Ludwigsburg players who are considered interesting options for clubs in Denmark and elsewhere, especially during the unusual mid-summer transfer window created by the insolvency[2].
As of now, there are no confirmed reports on which clubs Karolina might join next. Given her extensive career accomplishments — multiple national championships and cups in Poland and Germany, plus European League and Champions League final experiences — she remains a valuable player should she choose to continue playing[1].
The financial situation of the club has put pressure on Kudlacz-Gloc and her teammates to make quick decisions about their future. They must decide whether to stay in Ludwigsburg for lower wages, switch teams, or retire. The league is still keeping the door open for HB Ludwigsburg to start in the new Bundesliga season[3].
Kudlacz-Gloc, who went to SG BBM Bietigheim, which now operates as HB Ludwigsburg, after the insolvency of her previous club in 2017, has expressed her distress about the situation. She stated, "I see no light anywhere. It's difficult."[4] Captain Xenia Smits is reportedly in negotiations with a top international club[5].
The insolvency of HB Ludwigsburg has disrupted Kudlacz-Gloc's plans to play one last season in Ludwigsburg before retiring[6]. It's worth noting that she has previously experienced insolvency when her then-club HC Leipzig lost its first division license in 2017[7].
More clarity about the club's future is expected next week. Kudlacz-Gloc, who has won a total of seven German championships and eight cup victories in her career, has stated that she still has a lot to offer to the handball world[8].
References:
- Bundesliga Handball
- HBWIS
- Sport1
- Handball-Planet
- Sport Bild
- Sport1
- Handball-Planet
- Sport1
In the aftermath of her former club HB Ludwigsburg's financial turmoil, Karolina Kudlacz-Gloc finds herself with the opportunity to explore other sports, particularly football, as alternative options now present themselves following her release from the bankrupt handball club[2]. Despite the uncertainty, Kudlacz-Gloc's impressive handball career achievements continue to position her as a valuable player, with club representatives in Denmark expressing strong interest in her talents[2].
