This format is used by several of Europe's top-tier football leagues, most notably the Bundesliga. The concept involves expanding the league to 12 teams, with any future additions replacing the bottom teams. The format works as follows:
- The first-placed Ascension team gains direct entry into the VCT.
- The team finishing last in that year's combined Tier 1 points table is relegated to Tier 2.
- The second-to-last placed team plays a best-of-five series with the runners-up of Ascension. The winner of this match secures the final spot in the following year's VCT.