The world’s most decorated water polo team – Italy’s Pro Recco, reigning Italian champion and recent winner of the Euro Cup – showcased the best in sport this week at New York City’s Asphalt Green on their exhibition tour of the northeast United States.
Founded in 1913, Pro Recco is the most successful team in the history of water polo with 37 Italian Championships, 11 Champions League titles, 18 Coppa Italia trophies, 9 European Super Cups, 1 Euro Cup, 1 Adriatic League title, 1 Women’s Italian Championship, 1 Women’s Champions League title, and 1 Women’s European Super Cup.
The Pro Recco 2025 World Tour is taking place from August 28 to September 8 in New York City and Princeton, New Jersey for four thrilling matches against teams that include: Hungarian powerhouse FTC-Telekom, winners of the last two Champions League titles; and two U.S. collegiate powerhouse programs, NCAA men’s champions UCLA, and Princeton University.
This unique preseason showcase aims to get the team ready for the upcoming season, promote the sport of water polo, and highlight Pro Recco’s new 2025-2026 apparel collection.
“Water polo has exploded as one of America’s fastest-growing sports, with high school participation surging 25% nationwide,” said Sandro Sukno, Pro Recco coach and Croatian 2012 London Olympic gold medalist. “These matches represent more than competition – it’s a platform to inspire the next wave of American talent while demonstrating that elite water polo belongs on the U.S. stage.”
As added excitement for water polo fans, a special halftime fan experience will give select ticket holders the opportunity to take a penalty shot against one of the world-class goalkeepers from FTC or Pro Recco’s Gianmarco Nicosia — while wearing official team gear.
Asphalt Green is my home pool, and as a former Stanford Women’s Water Polo player myself, it was pretty exciting to see the tournament live. Just wish I had the chance to take my shot!
