Two Leagues, One Rhythm:
How LNH and Ligalytics Optimized Scheduling

The Ligue Nationale de Handball (LNH) oversees both the StarLigue with 16 clubs and the ProLigue with 15 clubs. Creating schedules that meet the needs of players, fans, and broadcasters simultaneously is a complex task. Together with Ligalytics, LNH delivered calendars that combined fairness, excitement, and broadcast value while remaining flexible enough to adapt to structural changes at short notice.

Two leagues, different formats

The first division followed a stable 16-club structure, while the second division ran with 15 clubs, leaving one team idle each round.

Fairness throughout the season

Ensuring balance was central whereas many clubs have constraints regarding the availability of their premises. Teams were restricted to no more than two consecutive home or away matches, preventing long sequences that could create disadvantages. Additional safeguards protected clubs from excessive travel around by weeks or extended road stretches for European clubs during knockout matches. For example, one of the principles defined by the LNH was that a club cannot host more than two clubs from the Top 4 per half-season. In addition, two full days of rest must separate two consecutive matches.

Challenges were therefore distributed evenly across the season to maintain competitiveness and consistency throughout. In addition, special attention must be paid to European clubs that have competition days during the week.

The Solution: The Ligalytics Approach

The NHL's sporting principles have been translated into specific scheduling rules, limiting the number of consecutive home or away games, guaranteeing rest weeks, while setting top games for relocations and ultimately promoting competitive balance.Parallel scenarios were created for both 16- and 15-team formats in the second division, giving the league full flexibility without compromising quality.

The LNH conducted an in-depth study of the various schedule proposals, based on an analysis of the percentage of requests and constraints made by the clubs that were taken into account.

The calendar was organized around consistent key days each week, providing a reliable rhythm for clubs, fans, and broadcasters. Mid-week rounds were limited and positioned carefully around the calendar to allow adequate recovery.

Impact and Conclusion

The collaboration brought clear benefits across all levels. Sporting fairness was safeguarded through balanced home and away sequences, careful handling of bye weeks, and an even distribution of challenges. Fans gained a predictable weekly rhythm, while clubs and broadcasters benefited from greater planning security.

Key lessons underline the value of explicit fairness rules, a stable matchday rhythm, and scenario-based planning. These principles not only ensured resilience to structural changes but also created a calendar that was balanced, engaging, and media-ready. The LNH case shows how scheduling can evolve into a strategic tool that strengthens both sporting integrity and the overall fan experience.