The Eredivisie is the top professional football league in the Netherlands. Established in 1956, it features 18 teams competing annually for the championship title. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, the second tier of Dutch football. Matches are typically held from August to May, with each team playing 34 games in total. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the champion. The Eredivisie is known for its competitive nature and has produced many talented players who have gone on to achieve success in international football.