Starligue (France) 2026/27

The Starligue sits at the summit of the French handball pyramid. Founded in 1952 by the French Handball Federation (FFHB), the competition was originally called Nationale 1A before adopting its current name in 2016. Administration is handled by the Ligue Nationale de Handball (LNH), which took control in 2004. The league currently features 16 clubs competing in a double round-robin format over 30 matchdays.

While the title has traditionally been decided by regular-season standings, a significant structural change is set for the 2026-2027 season. This reform introduces a playoff system where the top four teams contest two-legged semi-finals, culminating in a single-match final. The stakes are high, as the bottom two sides face automatic relegation to the ProLigue, the second tier. Promotion involves the ProLigue champion and a playoff winner between other top second-division teams.

Montpellier Handball holds the record for most titles with 14. Paris Saint-Germain follows closely with 13, including a remarkable run of 11 consecutive championships from 2015 to 2025. The league reached professional status in 1985 and gained international recognition by ranking first in the European Handball Federation coefficient in 2018 and 2019. It operates independently from the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions.

For the 2026 season, the participating clubs include Cesson-Rennes Métropole, Chambéry Savoie, Chartres, Dijon, Dunkerque, and Fenix Toulouse Handball. The competition remains a primary stage for French talent, bridging domestic excellence with European competitiveness.