1. Liga (Czechia) 2026/27

The Czech Basketball First League operates as the second-tier professional basketball competition in the Czech Republic. Established in 1993, it sits directly below the National Basketball League (NBL). The league functions primarily as a feeder system for the NBL.

A defining characteristic of the competition is its regional structure. It is divided into two groups: West (Západ) and East (Východ). This geographic split serves to reduce travel costs for the participating semi-professional and amateur clubs. The number of teams varies by season, but the format typically involves a regular season played within these groups. This is followed by playoffs to determine the overall champion and promotion candidates.

Promotion and relegation between the two tiers are strictly defined. The top two teams from the 1. Liga are promoted to the NBL for the following season. Conversely, the bottom two teams from the NBL are relegated to the 1. Liga. This mechanism ensures a direct link between the two levels of play.

The competitive level differs significantly from the top flight. Teams in the 1. Liga are generally considered semi-professional or amateur compared to the fully professional NBL. They operate with significantly lower budgets and player salaries. Crucially, 1. Liga teams are not eligible for European competitions such as the FIBA Champions League or FIBA Europe Cup. These competitions are reserved exclusively for NBL clubs.

While the NBL is dominated by ERA Basketball Nymburk, the 1. Liga features a rotating cast of clubs. Current participants include Basketbal Olomouc, BK Jindřichův Hradec, BK Svitavy, and others. The league's distinction from the NBL lies in its regional structure, semi-professional status, and its function as a developmental and promotional tier rather than a top-tier international competitor.