SHL clubs increased their average player budgets by five percent last season, according to league sports chief Johan Hemlin.
The mean budget now stands at 62 million kronor, up from 59 million kronor the previous year. Pensions are included in the figures, but bonuses are not.
Hemlin noted that lower- and mid-tier teams drove most of the growth, each rising about five percent. Top budgets remained flat or declined slightly.
Färjestad, Rögle and HV71 hold the largest budgets, while Malmö, Skellefteå, Timrå and Växjö sit at the lower end. The range across the league spans 50 to 70 million kronor.
Clubs have focused on revenue growth through new partners while managing costs amid stiff competition for players, Hemlin said.
