Road to Bilbao 2026 Finals launched
The Mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto, EPCR Chief Executive Officer, Jacques Raynaud, Deputy General of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe and The Vicelehendakari Primera, Ibone Bengoetxea outside the San Ma
©EPCR
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has officially launched the “Road to Bilbao 2026” in partnership with the City of Bilbao, the Province of Bizkaia and the Basque Government, confirming San Mamés Stadium as the host venue for the 2026 Finals Weekend.
The Investec Champions Cup final and EPCR Challenge Cup final will be played on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May 2026, bringing one of world rugby’s biggest club events back to the Basque city.
With the 2025/26 season getting under way, fan interest in the Bilbao finals is already high. EPCR has reported that more than half of the general public allocation for both finals has been sold, amounting to almost 24,000 weekend tickets.
The event is drawing a largely international crowd, with around four in five ticket buyers coming from outside Spain, led by significant demand from France and Great Britain. Organisers expect total attendance across the weekend to exceed 100,000 supporters.
Bilbao and Basque institutions underline wider impact
Local authorities stressed that the impact of the event goes beyond sport. Bilbao’s mayor Juan Mari Aburto described the finals as hugely important for the city and its residents, highlighting rugby’s values on and off the field and thanking EPCR for returning to San Mamés, which also staged the 2018 European finals.
The Basque Government emphasised that the tournament reflects both regional identity and rugby’s core values of community, respect and diversity, positioning the weekend as a showcase of Basque culture as well as elite rugby.
“These Finals represent the union between who we are as a people, our DNA and our roots, and the values of this sport: community, effort, integrity, identity, respect, coexistence, diversity… We want those who attend to see more than a pitch: a united community and a vibrant sporting culture," said The Vicelehendakari Primera, Ibone Bengoetxea.
EPCR chief executive Jacques Raynaud said the decision to return to Bilbao reflects the city’s proven ability to host major events and the organisation’s ambition to grow its flagship competitions.
“We are delighted to bring this exceptional weekend back to Bilbao." said Jacques Raynaud, Chief Executive Officer.
"Our competitions bring together 42 clubs from the top leagues across Europe and South Africa, delivering unmatched intensity. Last season welcomed 1.5 million fans into stadiums and more than 90 million viewers across 100 territories.
"Bilbao can expect two world-class encounters and a significant economic impact for the region.”
