The National League draws the spotlight—and with it, most of the collectibles market. Yet the Swiss League—the second division of Swiss hockey—produces items that are often rarer, in shorter runs, for clubs whose local roots are sometimes stronger than those of the top tier. It is an under-documented market, and that is precisely what makes it interesting.
The Swiss League in 2026–2027: ten clubs
The 2026–2027 season began on September 17, 2026 and is being played with ten teams, following the voluntary withdrawal of EHC Winterthur. Competing are: HC Sierre, the reigning champion; HC La Chaux-de-Fonds, runner-up and Swiss Cup winner; EHC Arosa; EHC Basel; the GDT Bellinzona Snakes; EHC Chur; the GCK Lions; EHC Olten; HC Thurgau; and EHC Visp.
The regular season consists of 45 rounds, with each team playing the others five times. The top eight qualify for the playoffs. This tighter format increases head-to-head matchups and, with them, high-stakes games whose items are sought after.
Why a Swiss League item can be worth more than you might think
Intuition suggests that a lower division produces cheaper items. That is true on average—and false in the cases that matter to collectors.
First, production runs are short. A Swiss League club orders fewer jerseys than a National League club, which mechanically means fewer examples in circulation for comparable local demand.
Second, historic seasons carry significant weight. A promotion, a title, a Swiss Cup win leaves a lasting mark on a second-division club, and the associated items retain their value well beyond the season in question.
Finally, the Swiss Cup regularly pits these clubs against top-tier teams. These matchups produce items with a double appeal: that of the local club and that of the reference game.
French-speaking and Valais clubs
HC Sierre. As the reigning Swiss League champion, the Valais club is coming off a season that will remain part of its history. Items linked to that run now make up the league’s most in-demand segment.
HC La Chaux-de-Fonds. Runner-up and Swiss Cup winner, HCC has a dense supporter base and regional media coverage that makes photo-matching easier. It is one of the league’s clubs where documenting an item is most accessible.
EHC Visp. Another Valais stronghold, with a long-standing club culture and a loyal fan base. The market there is more discreet, and therefore harder to assess—and often more interesting to buy.
Special jerseys to know
Each season, the Swiss League produces jerseys that fall outside the usual framework. Each team’s top scorers wear a distinctive jersey and helmet in the league sponsor’s colors, creating a category of items that are immediately recognizable and produced in very small numbers.
Added to these are event jerseys—theme nights, charity initiatives, club anniversaries—often worn for a single game and then sold to benefit a cause. Along with warm-up jerseys, these are the rarest items in the league.
Buying, selling, and authenticating a Swiss League item
The authentication method does not change from one division to another: photo-matching, checking markings, and verifying the certificate and its issuer. What changes is the availability of sources. The Swiss League’s photographic coverage is lighter than the top tier’s, which makes documenting an item more demanding—and more decisive for the final value.
In practice, prioritize items whose provenance was established straight from the locker room, rather than reconstructed years later. That is the difference between an item that resells and an item that remains unsellable.
FAQ
Where can you find Swiss League match-worn jerseys?
Primarily through the clubs themselves, via end-of-season sales or event-related sales, and on specialist platforms that authenticate items. The private market exists but remains poorly documented.
Is a Swiss League item worth less than a National League item?
On average, yes—but not systematically. An item linked to a title, a promotion, or a Swiss Cup game against a top-tier club can exceed an ordinary first-division jersey.
How do you authenticate a jersey from a second-division club?
Using the same method as in the National League, while anticipating more limited photographic coverage. Regional media archives and club photographers are the best sources.
Have a Swiss League item to appraise or authenticate? Speak to Blue Penguin.
To Learn More
- HC La Chaux-de-Fonds collectibles — the club-specific guide.
- Match-worn hockey jerseys in Switzerland — the National League guide.
- Authenticating a match-worn jersey — the complete method.
