National League (Switzerland) 2026/27

The **National League** (NL) stands as the premier professional ice hockey competition in Switzerland. Established in 1938, it operates as an independent entity known as National League AG, having separated legally from the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation (SIHF) in 2020. While it manages its own commercial affairs, the SIHF retains governance over sporting regulations.

The tournament features 14 clubs competing in a rigorous regular season of 52 games each. Success in this phase determines the postseason trajectory. The top eight teams advance to the playoffs, where the Swiss Champion is decided through best-of-seven series. Teams finishing in the lower positions enter the playouts, a relegation tournament where they carry their regular-season points forward. These clubs play six additional matches, with the two lowest-ranked sides facing each other in a best-of-seven series. The loser of that final playout tie plays a promotion/relegation series against the champion of the Swiss League, the second tier of Swiss hockey. If the Swiss League team wins, they earn promotion to the NL.

Historically, HC Davos holds the record for most titles with 31, followed by SC Bern with 16. The league format underwent significant changes over the decades, including the introduction of the playoff system in 1986 and the removal of the "A" from its name in 2017 to reflect its status as the sole top tier. The competition is distinct from the National Cup, which since 2021 has been restricted to lower-tier amateur and semi-professional teams, excluding NL and Swiss League clubs. The league is also recognised for drawing high average attendance figures outside of North America.