1989 Soviet First League

The 1989 Soviet First League was the 50th season of the second-tier round-robin competitions of association football in the Soviet Union.

Promoted teams

 * FC Fakel Voronezh – Winner of the Second League finals (returning after an absence of a season)
 * FC Nistru Chisinau – Winner of the Second League finals (returning after an absence of 2 seasons)
 * FC Torpedo Kutaisi – Winner of the Second League finals (returning after an absence of a season)

Relegated teams

 * FC Kairat Almaty – (Returning after 5 seasons)
 * FC Neftchi Baku – (Returning after 13 seasons)