The 2024/25 edition of the Champions Hockey League will feature 24 participating teams. The structure allows the CHL to run a balanced, attractive and entertaining competition.

What are the main benefits of the format?

More opportunities for fans to see Europe’s top teams playing each other earlier in the competition.
Each and every game counts. Teams will battle for every single point to help them rise the ranks of the overall standings right up to the very last Game Day – either to make it to the Playoffs or to get into a better position for the knock-out bracket.
Clubs and players will get the opportunity to prove themselves against a wider range of top-level opponents.

How are the Regular Season fixtures drawn?

To draw the fixtures for the Regular Season, teams are allocated into four pots featuring six teams each. The seeding is dependent on the teams’ achievements in their national leagues and the respective league’s standing in the CHL League Ranking. Each team is then drawn against six opponents by drawing two opponents from each of the other three pots. Teams play one team per pot at home and the other one away. The result of each game will combine to make up the overall standings (1st to 24th). Three points are awarded for a win, should a game go to overtime or a shootout, teams share the points 2-1.

How do the Playoffs work?

The Playoffs start with the Round of 16 and all rounds will be played in a two-game, home-and-away, aggregate-scoring series except the Final. Teams face each other based on the overall standings of the Regular Season (1st vs 16th, 2nd vs 15th etc.).

How are the places allocated?

The six Shareholder Leagues take 18 places, equally split to three representatives each. Teams qualify in their domestic leagues on sporting merits according to the following criteria:

1. National Champions
2. Regular Season Winners
3. Regular Season Runners-Up
4. Regular Season Third-Placed

The reigning CHL Champions are automatically qualified for the next CHL season, which grants an extra qualification place to their league. The minimum of participating countries is set at 11 and therefore five Wild Card teams from Challenger Leagues are part of the CHL.

The allocation of Wild Cards is subject to Board approval for each season.