REMA 1000-ligaen (Norway) 2026/27

The REMA 1000-ligaen, currently known as the Elkjøp-ligaen, stands as the premier men's handball competition in Norway. Administered by the Norwegian Handball Federation, it occupies the highest position in the national sporting hierarchy, sitting directly above the 1. divisjon. The tournament traces its origins to 1965, marking a history that spans over six decades of professional play.

Each campaign sees fourteen clubs battling across a double round-robin regular season. Teams contest 26 matches each before the pursuit of glory enters its decisive phase. The top eight sides advance to the playoffs, where the stakes rise sharply. These knockout stages feature best-of-three quarter-finals followed by best-of-five semi-finals and finals. Success in this bracket crowns the national champion, while failure can lead to relegation for the bottom two teams into the second tier. Other clubs near the foot of the table enter qualification series against the best performers in the division below.

Elverum Håndball leads the modern era of the competition with eleven titles won since the introduction of the current playoff structure. This dominance highlights the club's consistent performance at the highest level. The league also serves as the primary pathway for Norwegian teams into European competition; the winner earns a place in the EHF Champions League, distinguishing the domestic league from the separate Norwegian Handball Cup tournament.

Sponsorship has driven numerous name changes throughout its existence, from the early Hovedserien to the current Elkjøp-ligaen designation. Despite these commercial shifts, the core objective remains unchanged: to determine the undisputed best men's handball side in the country through a rigorous combination of consistency and high-pressure match play.