The average salary in European hockey leagues
October 25, 2024 at 11:05 am,
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The average salary in European hockey leagues varies significantly depending on the league, country, and player experience. Here's an overview of salaries in some of the top European hockey leagues:
1. Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) - Russia/International
- Average Salary: $300,000–$500,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Can earn $1 million to $5 million per year. The KHL is considered the strongest league in Europe and the second-best in the world after the NHL.
2. Swedish Hockey League (SHL) - Sweden
- Average Salary: $75,000–$200,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Up to $500,000 USD per year. The SHL is one of Europe's top leagues, known for developing talented players.
3. National League (NL) - Switzerland
- Average Salary: $100,000–$300,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Up to $1 million USD per year. Swiss teams tend to pay well, and the country attracts high-profile international players.
4. Liiga - Finland
- Average Salary: $50,000–$150,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Around $300,000 USD per year. Liiga is a competitive league known for its homegrown talent and strong development system.
5. Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) - Germany
- Average Salary: $50,000–$150,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Up to $400,000 USD per year. The DEL is an emerging league that has become attractive for foreign players.
6. Czech Extraliga - Czech Republic
- Average Salary: $30,000–$150,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Up to $300,000 USD per year. The league focuses more on developing local talent but offers good salaries for top players.
7. Austrian Hockey League (ICEHL) - Austria/International
- Average Salary: $30,000–$100,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Around $200,000 USD per year. The league also includes teams from Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary.
8. United Kingdom (EIHL) - Elite Ice Hockey League
- Average Salary: $20,000–$50,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Up to $100,000 USD per year. EIHL salaries are typically lower compared to continental Europe.
Summary
- Top Leagues (KHL, NL): $300,000–$1 million for star players.
- Mid-tier Leagues (SHL, DEL, Liiga): $75,000–$200,000 average.
- Lower-tier Leagues: $30,000–$100,000 average.