Each NED1 team plays Home-Away matches against the other NED1 teams for a total of 34 league matches. During the regular season table ranking ties are broken by (1) most points won, (2) less points lost, (3) goal difference, (4) goals scored, then (5) alphabetical order by team team. At the end of the season, table ranking ties are broken by (1) goal difference, (2) goals scored, (3) head-to-head points, (4) head-to-head goal difference, (5) head-to-head away goals scored, (6) playoff (only if deciding champion and relegation), otherwise by draw, then (7) a penalty shoot out (only after a playoff).

At the end of the 2025-2026 NED1 season, the 5th, 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 2026-2027 UEFAECL 2nd Qualifying Round berth.

At the end of the 2025-2026 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 2026-2027 NED1, while the rest of the teams play in the 2026-2027 NED2.