CSKAs

CSKAs refers to multiple sports clubs that use the CSKA acronym, which stands for Central Sports Club of the Army (Tsentralny Sportivny Klub Armii). The term originates from the Soviet era and was used for clubs run by the armed forces. Over time, CSKA-branded clubs have appeared in several countries, continuing a tradition of army-affiliated sport that emphasized multi-sport programs, athletic excellence, and national representation. The clubs commonly field teams in football, basketball, ice hockey, and other disciplines, and historically drew support from military institutions or state agencies.

Notable examples include CSKA Moscow in Russia, a leading multi-sport club known for its football and basketball sections, and PFC CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria, an enduring football club with domestic success. In other countries, successor clubs and new formations have retained the CSKA branding or been named in homage to the original Central Sports Club of the Army.

In competition, CSKA clubs have achieved significant honors in their domestic leagues, and some have also found success in regional and continental events. The most widely cited European achievement associated with the CSKA name is CSKA Moscow’s 2005 UEFA Cup victory. The CSKAs continue to operate as umbrella organizations or as separate entities in modern professional sport, reflecting their historical link to army sport programs while adapting to contemporary sports governance.