Each NED1 team plays Home-Away matches against the other NED1 teams for a total of 34 league matches. At the end of the season, table ranking ties are broken by (1) less loss points, (2) goal difference, (3) goals scored, (4) head-to-head points, (4) head-to-head goal difference, (6) head-to-head away goals scored, (7) playoff (only if deciding champion and relegation), otherwise by draw, then (8) a penalty shoot out (only after a playoff).

At the end of the 2026-2027 NED1 season, the 6th, 7th and 8th place teams enter the UEFAECL playoffs Semifinals (Home-Away highest aggregate goals wins). The Finals (Home-Away highest aggregate goals wins) winner earns a 2027-2028 UEFAECL 2nd Qualifying Round berth.

At the end of the 2026-2027 NED1 season, the 17th and 18th place teams are automatically relegated to the NED2. The 16th place team participates in a Home-Away highest aggregate goals wins Relegation/Promotion Playoffs with 3rd through 8th place NED2 teams. Youth teams cannot be promoted and cannot participate in this playoff. The Promotion/Relegation Playoff winner plays in the 2027-2028 NED1, while the rest of the teams play in the 2027-2028 NED2.