Finnish Liiga threatens CHL exit over unsustainable format

The future of Finnish hockey teams in the Champions Hockey League (CHL) is in doubt beyond the 2027–28 season, unless significant changes are made to the competition’s current structure. Jyrki Seppä, chairman of the Finnish Liiga and Ilves Tampere, voiced growing frustration with the financial burden CHL participation places on clubs.

Despite being contractually committed to the CHL for three more seasons, Seppä made it clear that Finnish clubs will reconsider their involvement if no reforms are introduced.

“It’s true... it can't be right that if you play in the top European hockey league, you have to pay for it,” Seppä told MTV Urheilu. “With the exception of the finalists, the compensation is so small that it barely covers the travel costs. It's wrong.”

The issue lies primarily in the imbalance between costs and revenues. While the tournament’s structure is generally accepted, Seppä argues that it must become financially viable.

“The format itself is fine, but the financial conditions need to be included in a sensible way to make it a sensible activity,” he explained.

The CHL has proven particularly challenging due to high travel expenses and relatively low attendance figures. For example, Färjestad—last season’s runner-up—earned just over 235.000 Euro, a figure widely considered inadequate given the expenses incurred.

If the economic model does not improve, Finnish teams may not return after 2028.

“Yes, exactly like this,” Seppä confirmed when asked if Finnish participation would end without changes. He also acknowledged that a similar sentiment is shared in Sweden: “I don't think the CHL will continue without the existence of Finland or even Sweden. Yes, we agree on this in Sweden.”

Among the key changes Seppä advocates for is a revision of the tournament’s start date. CHL games currently begin in August, which he believes disrupts domestic league preparations.

“I would change it so that it would give oxygen to the start of the main league,” Seppä proposed, suggesting smaller-market teams could open the competition while clubs from major leagues enter later, around October or November.

While time remains in the current CHL agreement, discussions about potential reforms are already underway.

“Last week in Prague, at the CHL meeting, these issues were discussed,” Seppä said. “I hope they would look for some development solutions within the framework of this remaining contract period.”

Next season, Finnish clubs KalPa, Lukko, and Ilves are set to participate in the CHL. However, without structural and financial adjustments, these appearances may be among the last

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