The 2011 National Hurling League will commence in February 2011. 35 GAA county hurling teams: 34 from Ireland (includes South Down & Fingal), and London, will contest it.
The 2011 format of the National Hurling League is a system consisting of five divisions. There are thirty-five teams competing: Divisions 1 and 2 have eight teams in each, Division 3A contains six, Division 3B seven, and there are six teams in Division 4.
Division 1 contains eight teams. Each team plays all the others once. The top two play the final; the winners of the final are the 2011 NHL champions. The last-placed team is relegated to Division 2.
Division 2 contains eight teams. Each team plays all the others once. The top two play the final; the winners of the final are the 2011 Division Two champions and are promoted. The last-placed team is relegated to Division 3A.
Division 3A contains six teams. The top two teams shall contest the final; the winners of the final are the 2011 Division Three champions and are promoted. The last-placed team is relegated to Division 3B.
Division 3B contains seven teams. The top two teams shall contest the final; the winners of the final are the 2011 Division 3B champions and are promoted to Division 3A. The last-placed team is relegated.
Division 4 contains six teams. Each team plays all the others once. The top two play the final; the winners of the final are the 2011 Division Four champions and are promoted to Division 3B.