The ECU2030 team has detailed its ECU 2030 Program (2026–2030), establishing a professionalized framework designed to elevate European chess through commercial sponsorships, innovative event formats, strategic cooperations and sustainable collaborations.
Proven Milestones: Achievements delivered so far
The ECU 2030 vision is built on a foundation of previous, tangible successes that have already injected new momentum and partner confidence into European chess.
- Cutting-Edge Technological Partnerships: A strategic cooperation with Al Sense Chess Robot brought in a total sponsorship package of €110,000. This includes direct funding to ECU accounts alongside physical robot donations to help National Chess Federations access modern training tools.
- Empowering Women’s and Senior Chess: Women’s chess was significantly strengthened by establishing the flagship European Women’s Rapid & Blitz Championship in Monaco, featuring a €45,000 annually sponsored prize fund. Meanwhile, senior chess saw immediate improvements with a secured €16,000 increase in prize funds for the European Senior Championships starting in 2026.
- Digital Innovation & Media Expansion: The launch of the operational ECU Hub digital platform hosted over 40 webinars organized by ECU Commissions, drawing approximately 800 attendees in just one year and significantly driving up commission revenues. Simultaneously, ECU TV was developed as a key channel for visibility, storytelling, and the promotion of ECU events and European chess, achieving a major milestone in 2025 with the first sales of TV rights for the European Club Cup.
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Secured for the Next Term (2026–2030)
The ECU2030 team has already secured an array of landmark agreements, structures, and premier events for the upcoming 2026-2030 term:
- Structural Sponsorship & Endorsements
A tiered sponsorship framework has been finalized, offering partners clear, predictable activation options across digital platforms, live events, education, ECU TV, and the ECU HUB. Furthermore, an official endorsement from the Super Foundation guarantees that the ECU will possess an increased capacity to support elite events and development projects starting in 2027. - New events with strong identity and predictable standards
– European Chess Super League 2027 (Bucharest): Established with a €500,000 budget and a clear international media profile.
– European Women’s Super League 2028 (Monaco): Continuing the modern, elite event direction with a €400,000 budget.
– European Senior Rapid & Blitz Championship 2027 (Monaco): A new high-visibility milestone for senior chess featuring a €100,000 total budget and a secured prize fund of €32,000.
– European Open Chess Championship 2027: An agreed sponsorship will add an extra €50,000 directly to the tournament’s prize funds. - Financial Growth, Transparency, and Accountability
The projected ECU budget reflects an unprecedented era of growth, backed entirely by secured contracts and announced partnerships rather than mere promises
| Year | Projected Annual Budget | Key Growth Drivers |
| 2027 | €1,200,000 | Includes the €500,000 min. budget for the European Super League, a €50,000 additional Open Championship prize fund, and €100,000 in additional sponsorship for development/social projects. |
| 2028–2030 | €2,000,000 | Fueled by the additional support from Super foundation for development, social and training programs, inclusion of the European Women’s Super League and the full commercial maturation of digital assets like ECU HUB and ECU TV |
The ECU2030 team emphasizes complete financial transparency. All funds supporting ECU projects will originate exclusively from well-known companies and sponsors with significant business operations in Europe and clear, verifiable sources of funds.
For a detailed look at the ECU 2030 Sponsorship, New Events & Strategic Cooperations program, you can access the full document below.