The First NL starts with 16 clubs, including Dinamo II, with new rules introducing a double round system and a requirement for two young Croatian players on the pitch. The first match is on August 21. The league has expanded from 12 to 16 clubs, with 30 matches per team. Dinamo II cannot enter the SHNL or drop to the Second NL. Rules for young Croats require two players born after July 1, 2005. Karlovac has the most valuable squad at 3.67 million euros. Robin González is the most expensive player at 750,000 euros. Dinamo II can use up to 26 young players and 2 older ones. First matches: Sesvete-Karlovac and Mladost Ždralovi-Vukovar.