1987 Norwegian First Division

1st title Mjøndalen Start (18 goals) Start 6–1 HamKam (3 October 1987) (10 July 1987) Start 6–1 HamKam (3 October 1987) Brann 5–0 Tromsø (10 October 1987) (20 June 1987) Mjøndalen 1–4 Bryne (12 September 1987) Brann 1–0 Vålerengen (16 May 1987) Start 0–2 Molde (15 July 1987) The 1987 1. divisjon was the 43rd completed season of top division football in Norway. The season began on 2 May 1987 and ended on 10 October 1987.

22 rounds were played. Number eleven and twelve were relegated. The winners of the two groups of the 2. divisjon were promoted, as well as the winner of a series of play-off matches between the two second placed teams in the two groups of the 2. divisjon and number ten in the 1. divisjon.

For the first time in the Norwegian top flight, three rather than two points were given for wins. There was also another, more controversial new rule for points: if a match was drawn, two points would be given to the winner of a penalty shootout, and one point to the loser of the shootout. This rule, suggested by Tom A. Schanke and appointed by the Norwegian Football Association in February 1987, was highly controversial and liquidated after the 1987 season. Note that if draws would end as draws with one point to each, as usual, Tromsø IL would have been placed 10th with a possibility of being relegated.