Due to the COVID-19 pandemic delaying the end of the previous tournament, twenty-four clubs from the three major European domestic and regional leagues would compete in the Champions Cup in a one-year exceptional basis.
[1] EPCR chief Vincent Gaillard confirmed the 24-team tournament in August 2020.
Teams finishing 5th through 8th after pool play will join the Challenge Cup at the round of 16 stage (joining eight qualifiers from the Challenge Cup pool stage) In total, eight weekends of play will be provided for, one less than in previous seasons.
The draw took place on 28 October 2020, at the Maison du Sport International in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Teams are awarded group points based on match performances.