Like the Veikkausliiga, the first division is played mainly during the summer. It comprises 13 clubs, all of whom play two matches against all other clubs in the division. The winner of the Ykkönen qualifies directly for promotion to Veikkausliiga. The bottom 4 clubs are directly relegated to Kakkonen.
Clubs
The clubs in the Ykkönen for the upcoming 2011 season are (with their home towns in brackets):