Formerly called the English National Ice Hockey League (ENIHL), it was renamed in 2012 to recognise the inclusion of several teams from Scotland and Wales.

[1] The English Ice Hockey Association announced a new structure of the men's senior league for the 2019/20 season, at a meeting of NIHL clubs in Warwickshire.

[2] In the inaugural 2019–2020 season the National League comprised Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees, Hull Pirates, Leeds Knights, MK Lightning, Peterborough Phantoms, Romford Raiders, Sheffield Steeldogs, Swindon Wildcats and Telford Tigers.

Following its inaugural season, an upper tier within the ENIHL was founded, so as to serve as a league for the members of the BNL who could not afford to remain in that league due to the increased operating costs; but at the same time played ice hockey to a higher standard that of the other ENIHL teams.

Solihull Blaze won the league and play-off trophies of both formats during this inaugural season.

In 2013, it was agreed at the EIHA AGM to restructure the Northern league into two conferences; Moralee and Laidler.

In 2014, it was agreed at the EIHA AGM to restructure the Southern Division 2 league to have Western and Eastern Conferences.

A two-round playoff format was introduced at the end of the season to determine a league-wide winner.

At the end of the regular season, the top 4 teams in the division take part in the Playoff weekend, which are one-off games, replacing the previous home/away format.

Blackburn Hawks currently hold the record of most consecutive final appearances with four from 2011/12 to the present season, winning in 2012/13 and 2014/15.

In Division 1, this is a three-rounded format, involving the teams who finished in the top 8 of the regular season.

The competition Champions are as follows: Follows International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) rules,[10] as used by countries in all major European leagues.