Big changes on way for JD Cymru Premier League – read on for more….

Big changes are coming to the JD Cymru Premier League with an increase from 12 to 16 teams and a new end-of-season split into three divisions from 2026/27.

The Football Association of Wales have today confirmed a new structure for our national league from the season after next onwards.

Since 2010, Wales’ top flight has comprised 12 clubs and, after each plays each other home and away, the league splits into two divisions of six.

In the new format, once the 16 teams have played each other home and away, the new split will see the league divided into three tiers of six, four and six clubs to contest the title, European qualification and relegation respectively.

After Matchday 30, the league will split into three separate groups.

The top six in the table – the Championship Race – will play each other once more, with the club top of the table after Matchday 35 crowned champions. Clubs ranked second to sixth will qualify for at least the end of season European qualification play-offs.

Clubs ranked seventh to 10th – the European Challenger – will play each other once more, with the club placed seventh after Matchday 33 claiming the coveted final spot in the end of season European qualification play-offs.

Finally, clubs ranked 11th to 16th – the Survival Zone – will also play each other once more. At the end of Matchday 35, the clubs in 15th and 16th will be automatically relegated, while the club in 14th will compete in the relegation play-off.

Here, they will meet the winner of a tie between the runner-up in the JD Cymru North and runner-up in the JD Cymru South for the right to remain in the JD Cymru Premier.

Why are these changes happening?

Following the release of the JD Cymru Premier strategy earlier this year, an extensive structure review has taken place with multiple league formats explored and evaluated.

The new set-up aims to:

• Ensure competition is exciting for all stakeholders
• Build the profile, brand and awareness of the League
• Grow average match attendances
• Strengthen the on-pitch product and competitive balance
• Develop the commercial portfolio of the League

Why this structure?

● Fan connection: By creating more fixture scarcity and delivering high-stakes matches throughout the season, fans are more likely to stay engaged from start to finish. The structure also increases geographical representation across Wales and the chance to build relationships with new supporters.
● Quality and jeopardy: The format helps maintain a high level of competition, offering top teams better preparation for European qualifiers while providing additional development opportunities for emerging talent. The introduction of a relegation play-off adds a new level of jeopardy to the League.
● Sustainable growth: With enhanced competitive dynamics and increased opportunities for matchday, sponsorship, and broadcast revenue growth, the new structure ensures long-term sustainability for the JD Cymru Premier.

Clubs’ own commercial revenues should also increase with more home matches and increased fan engagement.

Jack Sharp, FAW Head of Domestic Leagues, said: “We are delighted to finally be able to share the new JD Cymru Premier format for the 2026/27 season onwards.

“It was important that a structure could be identified that allows our clubs to flourish, the FAW to work towards the outcomes of the JD Cymru Premier strategy and have a top-flight league which the country can be proud of.

“An analytical, data-driven process was run to thoroughly analyse the best league structure through the lens of guiding principles. We have built a model where connection is at the heart of our league as we strive to create a more accessible, exciting and engaging JD Cymru Premier.

“It was fantastic to see how positive our current JD Cymru Premier clubs have received the new format and the excitement that came out of a recent meeting with owners and chairs.”

The FAW will release more details on the new format of the JD Cymru Premier as the exciting 2026/27 season approaches.

The Cymru Premier was formed as the League of Wales in 1992-93 with the aim of giving Cymru its first-ever fully national league.