League position and verified status
Oberliga is Germany’s third national senior level below DEL2 and is administered in North and South groups by the German Ice Hockey Federation. For 2026/27 the DEB confirmed 26 licensed teams.
2026/27 competition format
The official schedule announcement confirms 12 teams in Oberliga Nord and 14 in Oberliga Süd. The two groups run their own regular-season formats before the national promotion pathway; use the current DEB schedule for exact dates and rounds.
Clubs and choosing a target
Do not send the same message to every club. Check the current roster, authorised sporting contact, location and whether the team needs the player’s position. A league page narrows the market; it does not prove a vacancy.
What clubs assess
Clubs assess skating and pace, decisions under pressure, a defined role, recent verified statistics, full-game or full-shift video, contract status, citizenship and administrative readiness.
Roster and foreign-player rules
Many clubs do not mean automatic access. Budgets, professional status, housing and roster needs differ materially. No single published foreign-player statement should be applied across both groups without a current club and DEB check.
Recruitment timing and tryouts
There is no single public recruiting window for imports. Many decisions are made before the season, while in-season openings are targeted. Approach clubs for a defined position and do not pay for travel without a written invitation and terms.
Contract, pay and housing
There is no official universal salary table for every club. Put gross/net pay, payment dates, bonuses, housing, deposit, utilities, food, travel, equipment, insurance, injury, trial period, termination and return travel in writing.
Residence and right to work
EU/EEA and third-country citizens face different immigration and employment procedures. A sporting offer is not itself a visa or work permission. The club and player must verify the applicable official route before travel.
IIHF transfer, registration and insurance
A move between national associations follows the current IIHF regulations. An ITC does not replace domestic registration, a contract, insurance or immigration permission. Confirm who starts the transfer and pays every fee before travel.
Player application package
Prepare passport and any second citizenship; birth year, position, shot, height and weight; current team and verified statistics; Elite Prospects or federation profile; role-based highlights and a recent full game; contract status, release and exact availability.
Official sources and FAQ
- DEB Oberliga schedule 2026/27 ↗
- DEB licensed teams 2026/27 ↗
- DEB competition documents ↗
- Federal portal: professional athletes ↗
- IIHF rules and transfers ↗
Verified: 31 July 2026.
How many teams play in 2026/27?
Twenty-six: twelve in the North and fourteen in the South.
Is Oberliga one national table?
No. It is organised in North and South groups.
Are club conditions identical?
No. Sporting, employment and housing terms vary by club.
Is an IIHF transfer required?
Yes when the player moves between national associations.
Get a league assessment
Send your profile, statistics, full game, citizenship and contract status. EHA will assess whether the level is realistic and identify a next step without promising a contract.
Get assessed for Oberliga