The Iran Pro League, known as the Persian Gulf Pro League for sponsorship reasons, is the top tier of professional football in Iran and one of the strongest leagues in Asia. Founded in 2001, it succeeded the old Qods League and has established itself as a highly competitive and physically demanding competition. The league consists of 16 teams playing a double round-robin format, with the winner claiming the Iranian championship and earning a spot in the AFC Champions League. It is renowned for its passionate fan bases, intense derby matches like the Tehran derby between Persepolis and Esteghlal, and its role as the primary supplier of talent for the successful Iranian national team. Despite facing various challenges, the Iran Pro League maintains a high standard of play and remains the central pillar of the country's football culture.