The European Chess Union (ECU) is pleased to announce the signing of two major partnership agreements with Super Foundation, totalling €800,000 in combined investment.
The contracts, signed simultaneously on 20 August 2026, mark a defining moment for European chess and represent a direct fulfilment of commitments made by ECU leadership during the organisation’s pre-election period.
The two agreements are as follows:
- €500,000 — Sponsorship investment backing the European Chess Super League
- €300,000 — Sponsorship for ECU Development Projects
A Promise Kept: Delivering on Election Commitments
Both agreements were publicly outlined by ECU leadership during the pre-election period as part of a concrete programme for the organisation’s future. Their signing demonstrates that the commitments made to Europe’s chess community were not aspirational rhetoric but actionable pledges, now formalised in binding partnership contracts.
The European Chess Union has long served as the continent’s official governing body for chess, and these agreements signal a new era of financial confidence and strategic ambition for the organisation and its 54 national federation members.
European Chess Super League: A New Pinnacle of Club Chess
The €500,000 investment by Super Foundation will underwrite the inaugural European Chess Super League, a prestige club team competition scheduled for 2026. Bringing together eight elite clubs from across Europe and beyond the Super League is designed to be the most ambitious club competition in the history of the ECU.
The competition will offer a prize fund of €300,000, providing a meaningful financial incentive for the world’s top chess clubs and players to compete at the highest level under the ECU banner. Super Foundation’s investment provides the organisational and financial infrastructure necessary to deliver a competition of this scale with the quality and professionalism that the global chess community deserves.
ECU Development Projects: Investing in the Future of European Chess
The €300,000 agreement with Super Foundation will support a portfolio of ECU Development Projects, the coming years, directed at expanding and strengthening the ECU’s activities across education, grassroots development, digital infrastructure, and the broader chess ecosystem. These investments are designed to have a lasting structural impact on chess across all Europe.
Statements
Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili, ECU President said:
“Today marks a turning point for European chess. These two agreements with Super Foundation are not simply financial transactions — they are the materialisation of a vision we presented to the chess community before our election, and a demonstration that we honour the commitments we make. The European Chess Super League will be unlike anything the club chess world has seen before, and the Development Projects funding will create real, lasting change for federations and players across our continent. We are deeply grateful to Super Foundation for their trust and for their belief in the future of European chess.”
Augusta Dragic, President of Super Foundation stated:
“Super Foundation is proud to partner with the European Chess Union at such an important moment for the future of European chess. Our €800,000 commitment reflects our belief in the power of chess to bring people and communities together, while creating new opportunities for players, clubs, federations and the next generation. The European Chess Super League represents an exciting new platform for elite club chess, while our support for ECU Development Projects is an investment in the broader chess ecosystem across Europe. We look forward to working closely with the ECU to turn this shared ambition into lasting impact.”
About Super Foundation
Super Foundation is committed to the development and promotion of chess at the highest levels of competition and community engagement. Through targeted investment in elite competitions and organisational development programmes, Super Foundation supports the institutions and events that advance chess as a sport, an educational tool, and a cultural force.
“At the Super Foundation, we champion sports, health, and education, giving back to the communities where we live, work, and play. Our mission is to empower the people who are part of our story. With local leaders and non-profit NGOs, we support sustainable solutions that uplift lives and leave no one behind.“
