French Second-Tier Handball League Joins Pro Ranks, Changes Name To ProLigue

On Tuesday, the French National Handball League (LNH) held its first general assembly meeting of the year and decided to unite the 28 clubs of the top two handball divisions. Second-tier league ProD2, previously backed by the French Handball Federation (FFHB), integrated with the LNH and changed its name to the ProLigue (LNH). L’ÉQUIPE reported the integration is “synonymous with the entry to the professional world.” LNH Committee Dir Louis Morales, the head of the group in charge of the integration, said, “Harmonizing practices between the two divisions while adapting to the means of ProD2 clubs were the hallmarks of the decision.” LNH President Philippe Bernat-Sallas said, “It was already a competitive competition. … We will support the clubs in their economic development, like we have done with the D1, reinforce their media exposure and make sure that the level of competition continues to progress” (L’ÉQUIPE, 6/14).