Netherlands — Handball

Handball in the Netherlands has a growing profile, particularly driven by the remarkable success of the women's national team. The Eredivisie features 28 clubs across 2 competitions.

While the men's programme has been developing, Dutch women's handball has reached the top of the world game, providing inspiration for the sport's growth in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands Handball Association was founded in 1936. The men's game developed steadily through the 20th century, with the BENE-League (shared with Belgium) launched in 2002 to raise competitive standards.

The women's national team has transformed Dutch handball's international standing. The Netherlands women won the World Championship in 2019 and have been consistent medal contenders at European Championships and Olympics, bringing unprecedented attention to the sport in the country.

The Netherlands Handball Association (Nederlands Handbal Verbond, NHV) governs handball in the Netherlands. Founded in 1936, it is a member of the EHF and IHF, overseeing domestic competitions and the increasingly successful national teams.

The Eredivisie is the top division of men's handball in the Netherlands, operating alongside the BENE-League shared with Belgian clubs. The Dutch Handball Cup provides knockout competition.

The Netherlands' greatest handball achievements have come through the women's programme. The women's national team won the World Championship in 2019, claimed Olympic bronze, and has won European Championship silver. The men's programme has been developing through the BENE-League structure.