NB I (Hungary) 2026/27

The Nemzeti Bajnokság I stands as the premier men's professional handball competition within Hungary, established in 1951 under the administration of the Hungarian Handball Federation. Operating at the apex of the national pyramid, the league currently features a field of 14 teams navigating a structured campaign. The season unfolds through a regular Alapszakasz phase where clubs engage in a double round-robin format, resulting in 26 matches for each participant.

A defining characteristic of the title decider is its conclusion method. The top two finishers from the regular standings progress to a Bajnoki döntő, contested as a best-of-three series. This structure, which awards the higher-seeded side the advantage of hosting the opening and potential third match, separates it from many counterparts in Europe that rely on single-match finals or extended series. Victory in this series crowns the national champion.

Exit routes are straightforward, with the teams finishing in 13th and 14th place facing direct relegation to the second division, Nemzeti Bajnokság I/B. These spots are filled by the winners of the Eastern and Western groups from the lower tier, operating without the complexity of promotion playoffs. While historical records highlight Veszprém KC as the most decorated entity with 30 titles, the current commercial identity is tied to K&H Bank, known as the K&H Férfi Kézilabda Liga.

The landscape has seen disruptions, such as the 2019–2020 campaign which ended without a champion due to external circumstances. Despite these anomalies, the competition remains the definitive test of skill for Hungarian men's handball, distinct from the parallel women's league and the knockout-based Hungarian Handball Cup.