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Serie B

Serie B is the second-highest division in the Italian football league system, below Serie A.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Serie B is the second-highest division in the Italian football league system, sitting below Serie A. It serves as the main professional second tier of men’s football in Italy and is currently operated by Lega B under the sponsored name Serie BKT.

History

Serie B began in 1929 and has been played for more than ninety seasons. The league had a pilot form in 1922, and the modern single-division format was established after earlier multi-group seasons.

Competition format

The league is played by 20 clubs in Italy’s second tier. Teams compete for promotion to Serie A and face relegation to Serie C, with promotion and relegation places determined by league standing and playoff or playout rules.

Administration

Serie B is organized by Lega B, the body responsible for the second tier of Italian professional football. The competition was formerly run by Lega Calcio before the league split in 2010.

Naming and sponsorship

The official sponsored name is Serie BKT. The league is also widely referred to as the cadet championship, reflecting its position immediately below Serie A.

Key facts

  • Serie B is Italy's second division in men's professional football.
  • It has operated under the name Serie B since the 1929–30 season.
  • The league normally features 20 clubs.
  • Top teams are promoted to Serie A, while the lowest teams are relegated to Serie C.
  • The league is commonly nicknamed campionato cadetto or cadetteria.
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Canadian context

Italian Serie B is of interest to Canadian readers through Canadian fans of European soccer, sports media coverage, and Canadian players who may compete in or transfer to Italian clubs.

Frequently asked questions

What is Serie B?
Serie B is the second-highest division in the Italian men’s football league system.
When was Serie B founded?
The modern Serie B began in 1929, with the first season played in 1929–30.
How many teams play in Serie B?
Serie B currently features 20 clubs.
Who organizes Serie B?
It is organized by Lega B, the Italian professional league body for the second tier.
What happens to teams at the top and bottom of Serie B?
The leading teams are promoted to Serie A, while the lowest teams are relegated to Serie C.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serie_B
    Supports: Second-highest division in Italy, founded in 1929, 20 clubs, Lega B, sponsorship name Serie BKT, promotion and relegation context.
  2. Wikipedia (Italian) — https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serie_B
    Supports: Official sponsored name Serie BKT, second professional division, Lega Serie B/LNPB, 20 teams, annual competition format.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lega_B
    Supports: Lega B as the organizer of Serie B and the 2010 split from Lega Calcio.