The island league was founded in 1938 and is the oldest and existing association in Cape Verde.
In its first three seasons, only a single match existed, Académica and GD Amarantes were founded later and the number of clubs risen to four.
The two island competitions were the highest level local championship in Cape Verde.
The only entrant was a club from the island of São Vicente up to the end of colonial rule.
Recently of club participations in the Premier Division, since May 8, 2016, only four are unrelegated and are Mindelense, Batuque, Derby and Falcões do Norte.