ECL ’26: Winter – Prize Pool Breakdown & Distribution

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): €62,420.00
  • ➖ VAT (25.5%): –€12682.95
  •  ➖ Payment processing fees (PayPal): –€1986.30
  •  ➖ Reserved for ECL ’26: Spring (50% of Full Year Player licenses): –€9251.00

🟰 Winter ’26 NET sales: €38,499.76

➡️ 35% of NET sales allocated to prize pools: €13,474.91

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: €5,861.59
• Pro: €3,031.86
• Lite: €2,223.36
• Core: €1,549.62
• 1v1: €808.49

Total: €13,474.91

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 – €5,861.59
  • #1: €2,579.10
  • #2: €1,172.32
  • #3–4: €586.16 each
  • #5–8: €234.46 each
     

• ECL Pro – €3,031.86
  • #1: €818.60
  • #2: €576.05
  • #3–4: €394.14 each
  • #5–8: €212.23 each
     
• ECL Lite – €2,223.36
  • #1: €533.61
  • #2: €422.44
  • #3: €311.27
  • #4: €244.57
  • #5–8: €177.87 each
     
• ECL Core – €1,549.62
  • #1: €402.90
  • #2: €278.93
  • #3–4: €216.95 each
  • #5–8: €108.47 each
     
• ECL 1v1 – €808.49
  • #1: €436.59
  • #2: €210.21
  • #3–4: €80.85 each

Final Notes

• These numbers reflect the current prize pool status at the time of writing.
• Rounding note: Prize allocations are calculated using percentage-based splits and rounded to the nearest cent at the placement level. As a result, minor €0.01 rounding differences may occur between intermediate totals and displayed sums, without affecting the total prize pool.
• Any late license purchases will still contribute to the overall prize pool, with final confirmation provided once the season concludes.
• 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.