Story Summary
Liiga is preparing a significant change to its post-season format for the 2027-2028 season. Under the proposal, the top 10 teams in the regular season would qualify for the playoffs: the first six places would advance directly to the quarter-finals, while teams finishing seventh to 10th would meet in an opening playoff round. The plan is not yet final. Liiga would also move to 14 teams, with the sides in 13th and 14th potentially facing a playout series whose loser would be relegated and replaced by the champion of the lower division. The current 2026-2027 super season remains a different format, with 17 teams, the top 12 advancing to the post-season and the bottom three relegated to the new second tier.
Key Facts
- Proposal applies from the 2027-2028 Liiga season.
- Under the proposed model, the top 10 teams in the regular season would reach the playoffs.
- Teams placed 1-6 would advance directly to the quarter-finals.
- Teams placed 7-10 would play an opening playoff round.
- It has not yet been decided whether the opening round would be best-of-three or best-of-five.
- The proposal would reduce Liiga to 14 teams for the 2027-2028 season.
- Teams finishing 13th and 14th could play a playout series, with the loser relegated.
- The lower-division winner would be promoted directly to Liiga.
- The 2026-2027 super season features 17 teams; its top 12 advance to the playoffs and the bottom three are relegated for 2027-2028.
- In the 2026-2027 super season, the first playoff round matches teams placed 5-12 and are played as best-of-five series.
- In 2026-2027, quarter-finals are best-of-five; semi-finals and the final are best-of-seven; the bronze medal is decided in a single game.
- Markkanen has described the plan and emphasised that no official decision has yet been taken.
IHM Discussion
The proposal would bring back an opening elimination round in Liiga, with 10 clubs qualifying for the post-season. The principal unresolved detail is the length of that opening round: Markkanen said the choice between best-of-three and best-of-five has not been made. The relegation proposals are linked to the intended reduction of the top division to 14 clubs; the teams in 13th and 14th could contest a playout, with the loser relegated and the lower-league champion promoted directly.
Why It Matters
For clubs, the proposal would reshape both opportunity and risk. A 10-team playoff field would keep more sides in contention deeper into the regular season. At the other end of the table, a 14-team Liiga and a possible playout between the bottom two would raise the consequences of finishing 13th or 14th. Moving away from the temporary 17-team super season could also make scheduling more straightforward from 2027-28.
Mini Q&A
What is the main change to Liiga playoffs?
From 2027-2028, the proposal would see the top 10 regular-season teams reach the playoffs, with the top six advancing directly to the quarter-finals and teams 7-10 contesting an opening round.
When would the new model start?
The plan is proposed to take effect from the 2027-2028 Liiga season.
Has the league decided the format of the opening round?
No. It has not yet been decided whether the opening round would be best-of-three or best-of-five.
How would relegation work under the proposal?
Under the proposal, Liiga would have 14 teams and the sides finishing 13th and 14th could play a playout series. The loser would be relegated, while the lower-division champion would be promoted directly.
Does this affect the 2026-2027 season?
The 2026-2027 ‘super season’ remains in its current format: 17 teams, the top 12 advancing to the playoffs and the three bottom teams relegated for 2027-2028.
What Comes Next
No final decision has been made on the new playoff and relegation model. A definitive ruling on the format – including whether the opening round will be best-of-three or best-of-five – remains pending.
IHM Final View
The outline marks a clear preference for wider playoff access combined with a trimmed elite division and an explicit promotion/relegation pathway. If approved, the change would restore a familiar multi-round post-season while increasing competitive pressure at both ends of the table. The ultimate detail that will shape its sporting impact is the length of the opening series and the timing of the league’s formal ratification.