During the previous season, on 31 March 2020, the KNVB decided to cancel all competitions at amateur level.
The Hoofdklasse group leaders, namely Sportlust '46, Staphorst, Unitas and Hollandia, therefore moved up to the Derde Divisie.
The best runners-up of the Saturday and Sunday Hoofdklasse, Asser Christelijke Voetbalvereniging (ACV) and JOS Watergraafsmeer respectively, were also promoted.
[5] Meppeler Sport Club and Quick '20 withdrew from Sunday football to compete instead in its Saturday counterpart.
On 24 February 2021, the KNVB eventually discontinued ongoing category A senior competitions, including Hoofdklasse, again without promotion or relegation.