The most successful team all-time are the Helsinki Roosters with a total of 17 championships, including a then-record six consecutive first-place finishes from 1995-2000.

In the early years Helsinki and it surrounding towns were loaded with Maple League teams and they seemed to almost monopolize the championship.

The 2016 season of Vaahteraliiga was planned to see 8 teams competing, as Tampere Saints and Wasa Royals were promoted from 1st Division.

The 2017 season also has 7 teams, as TAFT was relegated after finishing last, and I-division winner Hämeenlinna Huskies were promoted to Maple League.

SAJL checks the applications and grants licenses to maximum eight teams according to their seed in the previous season.

The system was put in place largely to ensure long-term planning and sensible running of clubs.

As of 2006, there hasn't been a game for the bronze medal; they are simply awarded to the losing team of the semi-finals with better seed.