NLA (Switzerland) 2026/27

The Quickline Handball League stands as the premier men’s handball competition in Switzerland. Organised by the Swiss Handball Federation (SHV), it occupies the highest position within the national pyramid, sitting directly above Nationalliga B. The tournament traces its origins to 1950, when it was established by the predecessor body, the Schweizerischer Handballausschuss (HBA), prior to the formal creation of the SHV in 1974.

The league comprises ten clubs, including participants such as Bern, Handball Stafa, HC Kriens-Luzern, HSC Suhr Aarau, Kadetten Schaffhausen, and Pfadi Winterthur. A defining characteristic of the season is its regular structure, which employs a triple round-robin format known as the Hauptrunde. Each team participates in 27 games during this phase. Following the main round, the standings split into two distinct groups: the top six teams progress to a Final Round, while the bottom four compete in a Relegation Round.

The ultimate prize is decided through a Best-of-Five playoff series contested by the top four teams emerging from the Final Round. This structure ensures that the strongest performers face off in a decisive conclusion. Regarding movement between tiers, promotion and relegation are not automatic. Instead, the lowest-placed team in the Quickline Handball League engages in a Best-of-Five playoff against the winner of the Nationalliga B playoff series to determine survival or ascent.

The competition remains distinct in its administration, being managed directly by the SHV rather than an independent professional league entity. Historically, Grasshopper Club Zürich holds the record for the most titles, with twenty-one victories. Currently, Kadetten Schaffhausen serves as the reigning champion following the 2024/25 season, adding to their total of fifteen titles. The league’s unique triple round-robin arrangement continues to shape its competitive landscape.