HUNTERSVILLE, NC (February 10, 2026) – The SPHL on Tuesday announced an expanded President’s Cup format, which was unanimously approved last week by the league’s Board of Governors.
The new format will increase both the semi-finals and finals to a best-of-five series, while the first round will remain a best-of-three series:
President’s Cup Playoff Format
The top eight teams in the standings will make the playoffs.
First Round
Series A – #1 seed vs. #8 seed
Series B – #2 seed vs. #7 seed
Series C – #3 seed vs. #6 seed
Series D – #4 seed vs. #5 seed
(All series are a best-of three)
Semi-Finals
The four teams that advance from the first round will play each other based on original playoff seeding, with the highest-seeded team playing the lowest, and the remaining two teams playing each other. Both series will be a best-of-five.
President’s Cup Finals
The two remaining teams will meet in a best-of-five President’s Cup Final.
About the SPHL
Now in its 22nd season, the SPHL comprises 11 member teams located throughout the southeastern and midwestern United States. Headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, the SPHL’s mission is to provide high-quality, family-friendly entertainment structured within an economic model that is viable for small and mid-sized markets and arenas.
