Edit: Updated with final amounts, March 11, 2026
Hi SportsGamers,
As promised, we’re now ready to share the ECL ’26: Winter prize pool numbers, including how the total prize pool was calculated and how it is distributed across divisions.
While a small number of late license purchases may still slightly increase the final figures, we are now very close to the final totals, and the numbers below accurately reflect the current state of the season.
How the ECL ’26: Winter Prize Pool Was Calculated
The ECL prize pool model for the NHL 26 cycle is based on a simple and transparent principle:
35% of NET license sales are returned directly to the players as prize money.
Here’s how the Winter ’26 prize pool was formed:
➕ Total ECL ’26 license sales (incl. VAT): €63,884.99
➖ VAT (25.5%): –€12,980.62
➖ Payment processing fees (PayPal): –€2,054.94
➖ Reserved for ECL ’26: Spring (50% of Full Year Player licenses): –€9,438.24
🟰 Winter ’26 NET sales: €39,411.19
➡️ 35% of NET sales allocated to prize pools: €13,793.92
This amount is fully dedicated to Winter ’26 prize pools across all ECL divisions.
Prize Pool Allocation by Division
The total prize pool is distributed between divisions based on participation, competitive level, and season structure.
ECL ’26: Winter – Total Prize Pools
Elite: €6,000.35
Pro: €3,103.63
Lite: €2,276.00
Core: €1,586.30
1v1: €827.64
Total: €13,793.92
Division Prize Distributions
Each division’s prize pool is paid out to multiple placements to ensure that strong playoff performances are rewarded throughout the divisions.
ECL Elite – €6,000.35
#1: €2,640.16
#2: €1,200.07
#3–4: €600.04 each
#5–8: €240.01 each
ECL Pro – €3,103.63
#1: €838.00
#2: €589.69
#3–4: €403.47 each
#5–8: €217.25 each
ECL Lite – €2,276.00
#1: €546.24
#2: €432.44
#3: €318.64
#4: €250.36
#5–8: €182.08 each
ECL Core – €1,586.30
#1: €412.45
#2: €285.53
#3–4: €222.08 each
#5–8: €111.04 each
ECL 1v1 – €827.64
#1: €446.93
#2: €215.19
#3–4: €82.76 each
Final Notes
These numbers reflect the current prize pool status at the time of writing.
Prize allocations are based on percentage splits calculated from exact underlying values. Displayed placement amounts are rounded to the nearest cent, so small €0.01–€0.02 differences may appear when summing the rounded figures compared to the exact internal totals.
Any late license purchases will still contribute to the overall prize pool, with final confirmation provided once the season concludes. Edit: This post now reflects the final sums for the ECL '26: Winter Prize Pool.
As always, our goal is to keep the ECL transparent, fair, and community-driven, with a clear connection between participation and rewards.
Thank you to everyone competing in ECL ’26: Winter — and best of luck in the remainder of the season.