Eliteserien

Eliteserien is the top level of men's professional football in Norway. It is organized by the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) in conjunction with the clubs and represents the apex of the Norwegian football league system. The competition traces its origins to the early national leagues of the 20th century and has undergone several format and sponsorship changes. From 2009 to 2016 the league was branded Tippeligaen for sponsorship reasons; since 2017 it has been known as Eliteserien.

The league currently consists of 16 teams that compete in a double round-robin schedule, playing each other home and away for a total of 30 matches per season. The season generally runs within a single calendar year. At the end of the campaign the league champion earns a place in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds, subject to UEFA rules, while other high finishers may qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League or its predecessors. The bottom teams are relegated to the Norwegian First Division (1. divisjon); in some seasons a playoff has determined promotion and relegation between the divisions.

Rosenborg BK is the most successful club in the competition’s history, having won the most titles, with several clubs such as Molde FK and Viking FK also achieving multiple championships. In recent years Bodø/Glimt has dominated the league, reflecting the competitive balance in Norwegian football. The Eliteserien is a key source of domestic talent and has produced players who have moved to major European leagues and national teams. Domestic and international media rights cover the league, contributing to Norway’s UEFA coefficient.