League position and cross-border status
Erste Liga is a cross-border senior competition with clubs from Hungary and Romania. This is one shared league route, not two separate country leagues; club location still determines federation, immigration and employment checks.
Confirmed 2026/27 format
MJSZ announced ten clubs. The season started on 18 September 2026; each club is scheduled to play every opponent four times. The top eight advance to the playoffs, which begin on 12 March 2027.
Roster and foreign-player rules
The published 2026/27 rules state a maximum of five foreign players in a match and eleven registered foreign players during the season. The club and federation must still confirm how a player is classified and eligible.
Clubs and choosing a target
Target clubs by position, role, level, roster construction and an authorised sporting contact. Participation in the competition does not prove a vacancy. Confirm the club, contact and exact need before sharing documents or paying costs.
What clubs assess
Clubs compare skating pace, decisions under pressure, role, special-teams value, verified recent statistics, full-game video, health, contract status, citizenship and administrative readiness. The application must show value for this specific level.
Recruitment timing and tryouts
A trial, invitation or verbal discussion is not a contract. Confirm who invited the player, dates, evaluation criteria, travel, insurance, accommodation, equipment, expenses and the deadline for a written decision.
Contract, pay and housing
There is no official universal salary table for every club. Put gross or net pay, taxes, payment dates, bonuses, housing, deposit, utilities, meals, travel, equipment, insurance, injury protection, termination and return travel in writing.
Residence and right to work
For a Hungary-based club, the official NDGAP framework can include the Hungarian Card route for a professional sportsman/woman or professional coach performing genuine paid work, subject to the applicable conditions. Romanian clubs follow Romanian immigration law instead. League registration and work/residence permission are separate checks.
IIHF transfer, licence and insurance
An international move follows current IIHF transfer rules, but an IIHF transfer does not replace federation registration, competition eligibility, insurance, immigration permission or a valid contract. Confirm responsibility and fees for every step.
Player application package
Send passport and any second citizenship; birth year, position, shot, height and weight; current team; verified statistics; Elite Prospects or federation profile; role-based highlights and a recent full game; contract or release status; health and availability.
Official sources and FAQ
- MJSZ: Erste Liga 2026/27 season ↗
- MJSZ: teams and roster limits ↗
- NDGAP: Hungarian Card for professional athletes/coaches ↗
- IIHF rules and transfers ↗
Verified: 2 October 2026.
How many clubs are entered for 2026/27?
MJSZ announced ten clubs.
What is the regular-season format?
Each club is scheduled to play every opponent four times.
What is the foreign-player limit?
The published rules state a maximum of five foreign players in a match and eleven registered during the season.
Does registration grant work permission?
No. Immigration and employment eligibility must be checked separately.
Get a league assessment
Send your profile, statistics, full game, citizenship and contract status. EHA will assess whether Erste Liga is a realistic target and identify a next step without promising a contract.
Get assessed for Erste Liga