1979–80 Eerste Divisie

The Dutch Eerste Divisie in the 1979–80 season was contested by 19 teams. FC Groningen won the championship.

New entrants
Relegated from the 1978–79 Eredivisie Dordrecht changed their name to DS '79 this season Fortuna SC changed their name to Fortuna Sittard this season
 * FC Volendam
 * VVV-Venlo

Promotion competition
In the promotion competition, four period winners (the best teams during each of the four quarters of the regular competition) played for promotion to the Eredivisie.