The 2026/27 Premier League season is set to look a little different, with organizers announcing a number of changes to the division’s fixtures next season.
Next season’s Premier League will start a week late due to growing concerns over player welfare. League leaders have confirmed that the 2026/27 season will start on August 22nd.
This will give players more time to prepare for the new campaign, while those involved in next summer’s World Cup will require a longer recovery period.
A statement from the league said: “As the global football calendar becomes increasingly congested, player welfare remains a priority for the Premier League. As a result, next season’s Premier League will start one week later. This will ensure 89 sunny days from the end of this season and 33 days from the FIFA World Cup 26 final. The season will end one week before the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday 5 June 2027.”
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“The 2026/27 season will consist of 33 weekend matches and five weekday matches. The Premier League schedule will be designed to avoid clashes between domestic competitions and UEFA club competitions wherever possible.”
“During the Christmas and New Year period, no two games will be played within 60 hours. This is in line with our commitment to clubs to address the congested Christmas and New Year schedule within the expanded international calendar.”
There are growing concerns about the number of matches and the demands placed on top-level players.
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Last season, Manchester City star Rodri revealed that the players would consider going on strike if authorities refused to address the issue.
“I think we’re getting close to that,” Rodri said when asked about the possibility of a strike. “Ask any player and they’ll say the same thing. That’s the general opinion of the players.
“If things continue like this, there will come a moment when there will be no other option, but let’s wait and see. That’s a concern for us because we are the ones who will suffer.”
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Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
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