Publication date: 16 Aug 2024
Fonbet KHL Championship is one of the most important events in the world of ice hockey. It attracts the attention of not only Russian fans, but also fans from all over the world. The Kontinental Hockey League unites the best teams of Eurasia. The spectators are offered spectacular matches full of emotions and unpredictable turns. Every year the teams compete for the Gagarin Cup, the main trophy of the tournament. It has become a symbol of supremacy in European ice hockey.
Fonbet KHL Championship in the 2025-26 season
KHL’s new season starts on September 5, 2025. As in past years, Fonbet remains title sponsor of the tournament.
Season opens with an Opening Cup game between last season’s playoff finalists. Hosting team will be the 2025 Gagarin Cup champion.
The 2025/2026 KHL Championship will feature 23 clubs from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and China. Teams are set to play over 60 games in regular season, with top performers advancing to playoffs.
Full game schedule is expected to be released in summer 2025. It’s already confirmed that Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod will move to a new arena, and several coaching changes are anticipated across clubs.
Season will continue through spring 2026. Playoff winner will claim Gagarin Cup, main trophy of the league.
History of the competition
The Kontinental Hockey League was founded in 2008 as the successor to the Russian Super League. Since its inception, the KHL has strived to become the best hockey league outside of North America. The league quickly gained recognition due to the high level of the teams, the participation of many famous hockey players and active international cooperation. The early years of the KHL were marked by the dominance of Russian clubs such as Ak Bars and SKA. Over the years, strong new teams from Belarus, Kazakhstan, China and Finland have joined the league. Thus, the tournament has become truly international. The Gagarin Cup has become a symbol of continuous struggle for leadership and constant striving for excellence.
Championship results for the last 3 years
| Year | Venue | Winning team |
| 2024-25 | Russia | Locomotive |
| 2023-24 | Russia | HC Metallurg (Magnitogorsk) (3rd title) |
| 2022-23 | Russia | CSKA (3rd title) |
Fonbet KHL Championship for the 2026-27 season
In the new season, the KHL Championship will continue to delight fans with colorful matches and new hockey stars. With each new season the tournament becomes more and more exciting. The tournament attracts not only traditional hockey fans, but also new viewers.
Currently, the dates of the Fonbet KHL Championship in the 2026-27 season are being finalized.
Keep an eye on the dates of hockey tournaments and other events in our Sporting Events Calendar.
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