First NL (Croatia) 2026/27

Established in 1992 following Croatia's independence, the Prva NL serves as the second tier of the national football structure. Originally named Druga HNL, the competition was rebranded in 2022 and restructured into a single-table format. It sits directly beneath the top-flight HNL, acting as the primary feeder league for the country's elite division.

The league currently features 10 clubs operating under a quadruple round-robin system, meaning each team plays 36 matches per season. This reduction from 12 teams in the previous campaign aimed to improve financial stability and competitive balance. The competition is distinct from the HNL not only in status but also in its high turnover of clubs and past inclusion of reserve teams, although reserve sides are now excluded from promotion.

Success in the Prva NL carries specific consequences. The champion receives automatic promotion to the HNL. Conversely, the last-placed team faces direct relegation to the Druga NL. The ninth-placed club enters a promotion/relegation playoff against the runner-up of the third tier, adding a layer of uncertainty to the final standings.

Historically, the format has varied significantly. Regional splits between North and South occurred during the 1990s and early 2000s. A unified single table ran from 2006 to 2022 before the current restructuring. Seven clubs share the record for the most titles with three wins each: HNK Cibalia, NK Inter Zaprešić (dissolved 2022), NK Marsonia, RNK Split, Hrvatski Dragovoljac, HNK Šibenik, and NK Rudeš. The reigning champion is HNK Vukovar 1991.

The league is currently sponsored by SuperSport, operating under the name SuperSport Prva NL. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) oversees the competition's administration and rules. The current season includes clubs such as Bsk Bijelo Brdo, Croatia Zmijavci, Dinamo Zagreb U21, Dubrava Zagreb, Dugopolje, and HNK Cibalia.