The Swiss Challenge League is the second tier of professional football in Switzerland. It operates below the top division, known as the Swiss Super League, and features clubs that compete for promotion to the higher league. The league typically consists of 10 to 12 teams, depending on the season. Matches in the Swiss Challenge League are held from July to May, with each team playing others both home and away. The league follows a points system, where teams earn points for wins and draws. The top teams at the end of the season may be promoted, while the lower-ranked teams face the risk of relegation to the Promotion League.