The English Premier League has officially revealed the schedule for the 2025/26 season, confirming key dates in a statement released late Friday.
Fans can look forward to another action-packed campaign, beginning on Saturday, August 16, 2025, and concluding with the final match round on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
This carefully crafted schedule aims to balance competitive intensity with player welfare, marking a significant step forward for the league.
For the first time, the league has overhauled its traditional congested festive calendar, introducing measures to prioritize player well-being.
A major highlight is the commitment to ensure no two match rounds are scheduled within 60 hours of each other, addressing longstanding concerns about player fatigue during the busy holiday period.
Additionally, the EPL confirmed there will be no fixtures on Christmas Eve in 2025, a move likely to be appreciated by players, staff, and supporters.
In the statement titled “Dates for 2025/26 Premier League season confirmed,” the league emphasized its dedication to easing the physical and mental burden on players during the demanding festive schedule.
The statement read, “The schedule continues to allow more rest time for players over the festive match-round period, with no two rounds taking place within 60 hours of each other.
“This is in keeping with commitments made to clubs to address the congested Christmas and New Year schedule.”
Key Features of the 2025/26 Season
The upcoming campaign spans 33 weekends and includes five midweek match rounds, providing an evenly distributed calendar that balances competitive consistency with adequate recovery periods for players.
Here are some additional details shaping the season:
The start date of August 16, 2025, ensures players will have 83 days of rest following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
The final match round on May 24, 2026, ensures the Premier League season ends ahead of FIFA’s call-up period for the 2026 World Cup.
The league’s approach to scheduling reflects a broader strategy to align with global football demands while safeguarding player welfare.
Countdown to Kick-Off
With these changes, the EPL reinforces its commitment to maintaining a world-class competition while respecting the physical demands placed on players.
Fans can now mark their calendars for a season expected to deliver unforgettable moments on and off the pitch.
Stressing the announcement, the league reiterated, “The 2025/26 season will consist of 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds.
“The start date of August 16 allows for the maximum player rest time available—83 clear days—from the end of the 2024/25 season.
“The season end date of May 24, 2026, ensures the Premier League season finishes ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup call-up period.
“There will be no fixture on December 24, 2025.”
With these adjustments, the countdown to the 2025/26 season promises anticipation and excitement, offering a glimpse into the future of a more player-conscious Premier League.