The Russian Premier League (RPL) is the top professional football division in Russia. Established in 1992, it features 16 teams competing annually for the championship title. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Russian Football National League, the second tier of Russian football. Matches are typically held from July to May, with each team playing 30 games in a round-robin format. The RPL is known for its competitive nature and has produced several notable clubs, including FC Zenit Saint Petersburg and CSKA Moscow, which have achieved success both domestically and in European competitions.