Prva Liga (Croatia) 2026/27

The **Prva Liga** is the second tier of the national volleyball pyramid in Croatia. It sits directly below the top-flight Superliga and has served as the primary pathway for clubs seeking to reach the elite level since its establishment in 1992. The competition operates for both men and women, though the structures differ slightly between genders.

The men's division consists of 10 clubs playing a double round-robin format. The women's league features 12 teams in a similar round-robin arrangement. The stakes are clear: the winner of the Prva Liga earns automatic promotion to the Superliga for the following season. The runner-up does not receive this guarantee; instead, they enter a two-legged playoff against the last-placed team from the top flight. Victory in that tie secures the coveted spot. Meanwhile, the bottom-placed team in the Prva Liga faces relegation to the regional Prva B Liga.

A defining characteristic of the second tier is the participation of reserve teams. Clubs such as HAOK Mladost II and Mladost Ribola Kastela II compete here, providing a competitive environment for younger players. However, these squads are ineligible for promotion if their senior counterparts already occupy a place in the Superliga. Other participants, including Cazma and Gorica, represent established clubs aiming to climb the hierarchy.

The league underwent a significant rebranding for the 2024/25 season. Previously known as the 1. B Liga or 2. HOL, it now carries the name Prva Liga. This change coincides with HAOK Mladost II winning the men's title in the current campaign. While the Superliga hosts the country's most historic institutions, the Prva Liga functions as a vital developmental bridge, balancing youth development with serious competition for advancement.