Proligue (France) 2026/27

The ProLigue stands as the second tier of French handball, operating directly beneath the Starligue. Established in 1952 under the name Nationale 2, the competition underwent a significant transformation in 2016 when administration transferred from the French Handball Federation to the Ligue Nationale de Handball. This restructuring coincided with a rebranding to ProLigue, aligning the structure with the professionalisation of the sport. The league sits above Nationale 1, creating a clear pathway for ascent within the domestic pyramid.

The season follows a double round-robin format across the regular campaign. The primary objective for the top side is direct promotion to the Starligue, a status secured by finishing first. Teams ranked from second to sixth enter a playoff phase to contest the second promotion place. In this knockout stage, the second-ranked team receives a bye to the semi-finals, while those in third through sixth positions play quarter-finals. At the opposite end of the table, the bottom two clubs face relegation to the third tier.

Historical success belongs largely to US Créteil and Girondins de Bordeaux HBC, who have each claimed the title three times. Recent winners include Saran Loiret Handball, who took the crown in the 2025–2026 campaign, following Dijon Métropole Handball’s victory the previous year. The competition has seen various title sponsors, including Lidl and Daikin, though it is commonly known simply as ProLigue.

Unlike the Coupe de France, which operates as a knockout tournament open to all levels and offers European qualification, the ProLigue functions strictly as a league structure focused on promotion and relegation. The number of participating teams has fluctuated, with figures expected to decrease to 13 for the 2025–2026 season due to administrative decisions.