Ligue B (France) 2026/27

Ligue B stands as the second tier of French men's volleyball, operating directly beneath the top-flight Ligue A. Organised by the Ligue Nationale de Volley (LNV), the division has undergone several transformations since its inception in 1983. Originally established as Nationale 1B, it carried that name until 1997 before becoming Nationale for a single season. The competition was then known as Pro B until 2009, when it adopted its current title. The LNV, formed in 1987, has managed the league since 1991.

The current season features ten clubs, including Cambrai Volley, Chalon-sur-Saone, France Avenir, Illacaise, Martigues, and Nancy. The regular season follows a double round-robin format, with each side playing eighteen matches. Points are awarded differently depending on the result: three for a straight-set victory, two for a three-set win, and one for a narrow defeat. The top eight teams advance to the playoffs, which include quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final decided on neutral ground. The winner secures direct promotion to Ligue A.

Relegation is determined by a play-down phase involving the bottom teams, with the final three positions in this group resulting in a drop to the third-tier Élite division. Unlike the premier league, Ligue B has rarely featured commercial sponsors in its official title. The division is semi-professional or high-level amateur in nature, contrasting with the fully professional status of the top flight. Historically, Asnières Volley 92, Avignon Volley-Ball, and GFCO Ajaccio share the record for titles. GFCO Ajaccio claimed the 2024–2025 crown, defeating Fréjus Var Volley in the final.