Division 1 (Belgium) 2026/27

The Belgian Men's Handball Division 1 stands as the premier domestic handball league in Belgium. Organized by the Royal Belgian Handball Federation, the competition sits at the apex of the national pyramid. It operates independently from the multinational Super Handball League, which serves as a separate elite contest involving top clubs from Belgium and the Netherlands.

The league currently features sixteen teams. Following the regular season, the structure divides into two distinct groups. The top six or seven teams enter the 'Super League Handball' group, while the remaining ten play in the 'Eerste Nationale'. This split creates a complex playoff system. In the upper tier, the leading six clubs compete in a half-competition for the championship title. The two highest-placed teams then face each other in a Best of Three series to decide the winner. The lowest-ranked team in this group enters a promotion and relegation playoff.

Meanwhile, the 'Eerste Nationale' group offers a pathway for upward mobility. The top six teams battle for promotion to the Super League Handball. Conversely, the bottom four teams engage in a 'Play-down' to avoid relegation to the Tweede Nationale, with one team typically dropping to the second tier.

Historical dominance is concentrated among a few established entities. Initia HC Hasselt, now known as Hubo Handbal, holds the record for the most titles with thirteen victories. Sporting Pelt follows closely with twelve, and ROC Flémalle has claimed eleven championships. Recent winners include Sporting Pelt, HC Achilles Bocholt, and HC Visé BM. The competition experienced interruptions during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, which were voided due to the global pandemic. Unlike cross-border tournaments, this league remains the primary domestic stage for all top-tier Belgian clubs.