ZSC Lions will compete against Färjestad BK in the Champions Hockey League final, with a prize pool of 360,000 euros. While the financial rewards for ice hockey seem modest compared to football, the Lions aim to prove themselves on an international stage. The absence of Russian teams continues to affect the competition’s prestige, but interest is growing. A full house is expected at the Swiss Life Arena, reflecting the supporters’ enthusiasm for this prestigious matchup.
The ZSC Lions Face Färjestad BK in Champions Hockey League Final
The ZSC Lions are set to battle it out against the prestigious Swedish club Färjestad BK on Tuesday evening at 8:15 PM. This thrilling match will unfold at the Swiss Life Arena in Zurich Altstetten, with a total prize pool of 360,000 euros available. The mere act of reaching the final has already secured the Lions a sum of 240,000 francs.
When we compare these figures to those in football, the prize money may seem quite modest for Europe’s top ice hockey teams. Only the finalists can slightly offset their expenses. In stark contrast, the winner of the Champions League final in Munich this May is poised to receive a staggering 25 million euros (approximately 23.6 million francs). Additional financial benefits such as starting fees, ticket sales, and shares of television revenues further inflate the profits, with just qualifying for the tournament worth 18.2 million euros. The 36 teams participating in the football competition collectively share a whopping 2.467 billion euros in prize money.
Understanding the Differences Between Ice Hockey and Football
Peter Zahner, the CEO of the ZSC Lions and the former president of the Champions Hockey League, emphasizes that comparing ice hockey to football is not an accurate reflection of the sports’ dynamics. “Ice hockey is more suitably compared to handball, volleyball, or basketball. Football operates in a league of its own. When measured against these other sports, the Champions Hockey League is making commendable progress,” he remarked.
Over the years, attempts to create a unified pan-European ice hockey competition have largely fallen short. The essence of the sport remains deeply rooted in national leagues, and even the annual world championship struggles to generate widespread excitement. Interest in international club competitions remains limited, with the North American NHL leading the way as the most popular league, boasting 32 teams and attracting top talent worldwide. The NHL rakes in an impressive annual revenue of 4.92 billion euros, translating to approximately 153 million euros per franchise. In comparison, the English Premier League, the highest-earning football league, generates 6.5 billion euros, or around 325 million euros per team.
Historically, European club ice hockey has witnessed higher prize payouts. For instance, when the ZSC Lions clinched the Champions Hockey League title in spring 2009, they received 2.5 million euros after defeating Metallurg Magnitogorsk 5-0. At that time, the media hailed their victory as a “Zurich ice hockey fairy tale.” However, this success led to complications; in reaction to the defeat, Russian clubs withdrew from the league, diminishing the competition’s stature.
Today, the absence of Russian teams continues to impact the competition’s prestige, a situation exacerbated by the geopolitical climate stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. Zahner notes, “If the International Ice Hockey Federation welcomes Russian teams back, it is likely that both the Finns and Swedes would withdraw.” In Latvia, national legislation prevents clubs and teams from competing against Russian counterparts.
Despite this ongoing criticism, the appeal of the Champions Hockey League is gradually increasing. As the summer 2024 Olympic Games in Paris approach, a debate arose in the Baltic states regarding the inclusion of Russian athletes, leading to clear opposition from local leaders. The International Olympic Committee’s decision to permit individual athletes to compete under a neutral flag has sparked disappointment among Baltic officials who believe it places Ukrainian athletes in a disadvantageous position.
Until a resolution is reached in Ukraine, Russian athletes remain largely excluded from international competitions, which inevitably affects the competitive nature of the Champions Hockey League. Nevertheless, Zahner views winning this tournament as a significant objective for the Lions. “While our national championship is our primary focus, competing in the Champions Hockey League allows us to measure ourselves against Europe’s best. Our supporters are energized by these matchups,” he adds.
Expect a full house at the Swiss Life Arena on Tuesday night, with 12,000 fans in attendance. The accessibility of ticket prices, ranging from 60 to 75 francs, has contributed to this turnout. Zahner points out, “Thanks to our qualification for the final, we are at least breaking even and avoiding financial losses.” However, travel expenses for participating teams remain considerable. The ZSC Lions incurred around 200,000 francs for their two group games held in Sweden and Finland, which included charter flights, accommodations, and meals.
Last year, Geneva/Servette made history as the first Swiss team to win the Champions Hockey League, thereby placing it on the national sports agenda. The gradual increase in guaranteed prize money from the marketing partner Infront has also enhanced the competition’s allure. While the pandemic and the exclusion of Russian teams have hindered progress, the Champions Hockey League, now in its eleventh year, continues to thrive, demonstrating resilience compared to its predecessors.