League structure
| Teams by Province and Division |
|---|
| Province | Division 1A | Division 1B | Division 2 | Division 3 | Division 4 | Total |
|---|
| Connacht | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| Leinster | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 12 |
| Munster | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Ulster | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 9 |
| Britain | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
|
| Total | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 35 |
|
The 2026 National Hurling League consists of five divisions of seven teams. Each team plays every other team in its division once. Two points are awarded for a win and one for a draw.
In the top division, Division 1A, teams compete to become the National Hurling League (NHL) champions. The top two teams qualify for the NHL Final.
Teams compete for promotion and relegation to a higher or lower league. In Divisions 1B, 2, 3 and 4, the first- and second-placed teams play in the divisional final and are both promoted, while the bottom two teams of divisions 1A, 1B, 2 and 3 are relegated.
Tiebreakers for league ranking
As per the Official GAA Guide - Part 1 - Section 6.21 [5] -
If two teams in the same group are equal on points on completion of the league phase, the following tie-breaking criteria are applied:
- Where two teams only are involved - the outcome of the meeting of the two teams in the previous game in the Competition;
If three or more teams in the same group are equal on points on completion of the league phase, the following tie-breaking criteria are applied:
- Scoring Difference (subtracting the total scores against from total scores for);
- Highest Total Score For;
- A Play-Off.
In the event that two teams or more finish with equal points, but have been affected by a disqualification, loss of game on a proven objection, retirement or walkover, the tie shall be decided by the following means:
- Score Difference from the games in which only the teams involved, (teams tied on points), have played each other. (subtracting the total Scores Against from total Scores For)
- Highest Total Score For, in which only the teams involved, have played each other, and have finished equal in (i)
- A Play-Off
Cork 
Tipperary 
Kilkenny 
Limerick 
Offaly 
Galway 
Waterford 
