1. deild karla (English: Men's First Division) or D1 is the second-tier basketball competition among clubs in Iceland. It is organized by the Icelandic Basketball Federation (Icelandic: Körfuknattleikssamband Íslands - KKÍ). The season consists of a home-and-away schedule of 18 games, followed by a four-team playoff round. Both semifinals and finals series are best-of-three. The top team from the regular-season phase and the four-team playoff round winner are promoted to the Úrvalsdeild karla. The bottom club is relegated, and replaced by the four-team playoff round winner of the third-tier 2. deild karla.

History

Creation

The 1. deild karla was founded in 1964. Up until 1978 it was known as 2. deild karla.

ÍS and ÍKF's dominance

For the first years, from its foundation in 1964 until the 1970–71 season, the 1. deild was led by the ÍS (with three wins) and ÍKF (with two wins).

Fram Reykjavík's leadership

Some years later, from the 1974–75 season, Fram Reykjavík started their leadership on the 1. deild and their series of wins, which ended in the 1985–86 season when they won their fourth title.

Danny Shouse

In 1979, Danny Shouse joined Ármann and took the league by storm. On December 1, 1979, Shouse scored 100 points against Skallagrímur, setting the Icelandic single-game scoring record. In January 1980 he scored 76 points in an overtime loss against Grindavík and in February he broke the 70 point barrier again, scoring 72 points against Þór Akureyri. His scoring prowess helped Ármann win the league and achieve promotion to the Úrvalsdeild karla. Even though Shouse played in the nation's tier 2 league during his first season, he was widely regarded as one of the best players in the country.

The double fall of ÍR

After their golden years, in which they won 15 Úrvalsdeild karla titles in less than 25 years, the ÍR was relegated to the First Division. In the 1986–87 season they won the 1. deild for their first time and came back to the Úrvalsdeild karla. Afterwards, the ÍR was relegated again to the 1. deild. In the 1999–00 season they won their second 1. deild title and came back to the Úrvalsdeild karla.

Modern era

In the 2006–07 season, Þór Akureyri won their fifth title. In the following season, the 2007–08 season, Breiðablik also won their fifth title, becoming the most successful franchise together with Þór Akureyri. In the 2011–12 season, KFÍ won their fourth title.

On 13 March 2020, the rest of the 2019–20 season was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak in Iceland.

The Iceland Division 1 basketball tournament is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated sporting events in Iceland. It showcases the best basketball talent in the country and attracts a large number of passionate fans.

The tournament features teams from various cities and regions across Iceland, all competing for the coveted title of Division 1 champions. The participating teams are known for their exceptional skills, teamwork, and competitive spirit, making every game a thrilling and intense battle on the court.

The tournament is known for its high level of play, with fast-paced action, impressive dunks, accurate three-point shooting, and strategic plays. The players demonstrate their athleticism, agility, and basketball IQ, captivating the audience with their exceptional performances.

The Iceland Division 1 tournament is not only a platform for showcasing basketball talent but also a celebration of the sport. The atmosphere in the arenas is electric, with fans cheering, chanting, and supporting their favorite teams. The passionate fan base adds to the excitement and creates an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators.

The tournament is held in state-of-the-art basketball arenas, providing top-notch facilities for the teams and ensuring a seamless organization of the event. The venues are filled with enthusiastic supporters, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that adds to the overall spectacle.

The Iceland Division 1 tournament is not only a showcase of basketball excellence but also an opportunity for players to gain recognition and potentially move up to higher levels of competition. Scouts and talent evaluators from professional leagues and international teams often attend the tournament, keeping an eye on the emerging talent.

Overall, the Iceland Division 1 basketball tournament is a must-see event for basketball enthusiasts and sports fans alike. It offers a thrilling display of skill, passion, and competition, making it a highlight of the Icelandic sporting calendar.