National League (Switzerland)

Switzerland's top league

Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Switzerland, and the National League is its stage. Until 2017 the league was called Nationalliga A, NLA for short. The clubs come from large cities such as Zurich, Bern, Geneva and Lausanne, but also from smaller places such as Davos, Ambrì or Langnau. It is precisely this mix of cities and mountain villages that makes the league special.

Format

After the regular season, the best teams go straight into the playoffs. The teams behind them compete for the last places in a play-in. The playoffs are played best-of-seven. At the bottom of the table, a relegation round decides who has to face the Swiss League champion in the league qualification. The promoted team must meet certain requirements. The details are set by the federation each season. More on how it works in playoffs.

Spectators and arenas

SC Bern has for many years been one of the clubs with the highest average attendance in Europe. The arena in Bern with its large standing terrace is well known. The ZSC Lions' new arena in Zurich and traditional stadiums such as the one in Davos also shape the picture.

Spengler Cup

A highlight every year is the Spengler Cup in Davos, one of the oldest ice hockey tournaments in the world. It has been held between Christmas and New Year since 1923. HC Davos plays as host against invited clubs from Europe and a Team Canada.

Imports and youth

The number of foreign players per team is limited so that Swiss players get ice time. Switzerland has brought many players to the NHL in recent decades, including Roman Josi and Nico Hischier. The national team has reached World Championship finals several times.

Comparison with the DEL

The National League and the DEL are considered roughly equal in strength. Swiss clubs often have higher budgets. Many players and coaches move between the two leagues. Clubs from both countries regularly meet in the Champions Hockey League.

Season

The season runs from September to April. The playoffs take place in spring, with the final series usually in April.

European successes

Swiss clubs have also attracted international attention in recent years. Genève-Servette won the Champions Hockey League in 2024, followed a year later by the ZSC Lions from Zurich. This puts Swiss teams among the favourites in the European club competition.

Record champions and traditional clubs

HC Davos is one of the most traditional clubs and among the teams with the most Swiss championship titles. SC Bern, EV Zug, HC Lugano and the ZSC Lions have also shaped recent history. HC Ambrì-Piotta from a small village in Ticino is known for its fan culture.

Romandy and Ticino

With Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg and Biel, French-speaking Switzerland is strongly represented, and with Lugano and Ambrì, Ticino too. This makes the league multilingual and culturally diverse.

National team players

Many Swiss national team players play in the National League, which makes the league important for the World Championship.

Arenas

New arenas have been built in recent years, for example in Zurich, Lausanne and Fribourg. They offer more comfort, catering and better conditions for TV broadcasts.