Division

A division is a subdivision of a league, and its exact meaning depends on the surrounding system. In the promotion-and-relegation structures common outside North America, divisions are vertical tiers stacked by standard — first division, second division and so on — with teams moving up or down between them according to where they finish.

In the major North American leagues, a division is instead a horizontal grouping of teams, usually organised by geography within a larger conference. Teams play more games against divisional rivals, and winning a division typically secures a place, and often seeding advantages, in the play-offs. The two meanings are quite different, so the league structure determines which applies.