National League (division)
The National League, known as the Vanarama National League for sponsorship reasons, is the highest level of the National League System and fifth-highest of the overall English football league system. It is the highest league that semi-professional teams in the English football league system play (as of the 2022–23 season, all but three clubs are fully professional). Notable former English Football League clubs that compete in the National League include: Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, York City, Hartlepool United and Southend United. The National League is the lowest division in the English football pyramid organised on a nationwide basis. Formerly the Conference National, the league was renamed the National League from the 2015–16 season.
| Founded | 1979 (as Alliance Premier League) |
|---|---|
| Country | England (24 teams) |
| Number of teams | 24 |
| Level on pyramid | 5 Step 1 (National League System) |
| Promotion to | EFL League Two |
| Relegation to | |
| Domestic cup(s) | |
| League cup(s) | Conference League Cup (1979–2001, 2004–05, 2007–09) |
| International cup(s) |
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| Current champions | Wrexham (1st title) (2022–23) |
| Most championships |
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| TV partners |
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| Website | National League |
| Current: 2023–24 National League | |
The longest tenured team currently competing in the National League is Aldershot Town, who have been competing in the National League since 2013–14. As of the 2023–24 season, there is one former Premier League club competing in the National League: Oldham Athletic.