Handbollsligan (Sweden) 2026/27

The Swedish men's handball top division, currently known as Handbollsligan, sits at the apex of the national pyramid. Organized by Svensk Elithandboll (SEH), the competition comprises 14 teams competing in a regular season that follows a double round-robin format. Each side plays every other team twice, home and away, spanning 26 rounds.

Performance in these regular fixtures decides the national champion and determines access to European competition. The title holder gains entry to the EHF Champions League, a privilege distinct from the domestic cup, Svenska Cupen, which operates as a knockout tournament with a unique handicap system for lower divisions. The cup winner qualifies instead for the EHF European League.

After the league phase, the top eight teams advance to the playoffs, known as SM-slutspelet. This stage includes quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final, all contested as best-of-five series. This structure has been standardized for every round since the 2018–2019 season. Success in the league carries significant weight, with Redbergslids IK holding the record as the most successful club with 20 titles. HK Drott follows with 11, and IFK Kristianstad has secured 10.

Relegation and promotion mechanisms ensure movement between the top flight and the second tier, Allsvenskan. The team finishing 14th drops directly to Allsvenskan. Clubs placed 11th, 12th, and 13th enter qualification series against the second, third, and fourth-placed teams from the lower division, respectively, also in a best-of-five format. Conversely, promotion to Handbollsligan sees the top two Allsvenskan teams advance directly, while their counterparts compete in the same qualification series.

The competition has undergone several name changes throughout its history. It began as Allsvenskan from 1934 to 1990, became Elitserien until 2023, and adopted its current unified branding alongside the women's league in 2023. Major sponsors have included Svenska Spel and ATG. The current champion, following the 2024–2025 season, is Ystads IF.