Premier League Announces 2025/26 Season Start Dates, Fixture Adjustments

The Premier League confirms the start dates for the 2025/26 season, unveiling key fixture adjustments to enhance the football calendar. 

The official dates for the 2025/26 English Premier League season have been announced.

According to a statement published on the EPL website late Friday, the upcoming season is set to begin on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The final series of matches will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, promising an exciting season from beginning to end.

Titled “Confirmed Dates for the 2025/26 Premier League Season,” it highlighted a renewed focus on player welfare, especially during the busy festive season.

For the first time, all match rounds will be scheduled at least 60 hours apart, effectively addressing long-standing concerns about the congested holiday fixture schedule.

Additionally, there will be no matches on Christmas Eve in 2025, a decision that is likely to be appreciated by both players and fans.

The league has significantly altered the festive period schedule to prioritize player welfare.

The announcement stated, “To ensure players have more rest during the festive match-round period, no two rounds are scheduled to occur within 60 hours of each other.”

“This aligns with the promises made to clubs to tackle the crowded Christmas and New Year schedule.”

Main Highlights:

The season covers 33 weekends and includes five midweek match rounds, offering a well-balanced schedule.

Starting on August 16 ensures that players will have a 83-day break after the end of the 2024/25 season.

By setting the end date for May 24, the league ensures it concludes before the call-up period for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, providing players with plenty of time to prepare for this international event.

According to the statement, this strategic scheduling highlights the Premier League’s dedication to preserving a competitive advantage while ensuring the well-being of its players.

Fans can now set their calendars as the countdown to another can’t-miss season kicks off!

The 2025/26 season will include 33 weekends along with five rounds of midweek matches.

Starting on August 16 provides the longest possible rest period for players—83 full days—from the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

The Premier League season is set to conclude on May 24, 2026, ensuring it finishes before the commencement of the FIFA World Cup call-up period.

“The statement concluded that there will be no scheduled event on December 24, 2025.”