Fédération française de handball and Ligue Nationale de Handball have reinforced their long-standing collaboration with a renewed partnership agreement aimed at strengthening the structure and growth of French professional handball.
The deal, described by both parties as “familial†in tone, extends through June 2029 and is designed to align strategic priorities across the professional and amateur game, with a focus on commercial development, infrastructure, and international visibility.
At the heart of the agreement is a shared ambition to accelerate the growth of the men’s professional game in France, particularly as the country prepares for major upcoming international events, including the co-hosting of the men’s World Championship with Germany in 2029.
Federation president Philippe Bana emphasized the stability of a 25-year working relationship, highlighting a model built on trust and continuity between governing body and league.
LNH president Fabrice Boutet echoed that view, stressing that the agreement ensures structural continuity even as leadership changes, and reinforcing the principle that professional and amateur ecosystems can function in close synergy.
Unlike tensions seen in other sports between federations and leagues, particularly football, French handball continues to position itself as a unified governance model, with no plans for structural separation or reintegration debates.
The new framework also opens the door to expanded commercial partnerships and coordinated development strategies across clubs and competitions.