English Premier League to expand to 12 teams with relegation scrapped from 2026-27

In Brief

The Premier League will expand to 12 teams by 2029-30 and remove relegation starting 2026-27 season, according to official announcements.

Key Facts

• The Premier League will scrap relegation starting from the 2026-27 season, according to official statements
• The league plans to expand from 10 to 12 teams by the 2029-30 season, as announced by league officials
• New teams will be admitted based on a range of criteria rather than promotion through league performance, per league communications
• The expansion aims to reshape the league's structure and competitive format, according to the Premier League
• The decision marks a change from the traditional promotion and relegation system, as outlined by the league

What Happened

According to official announcements from the English Premier League, relegation will be removed beginning with the 2026-27 season. The league also plans to expand the number of teams from 10 to 12 by the 2029-30 season. Instead of promotion based on sporting merit, new entrants will be selected according to various criteria, as stated by league representatives.

Why It Matters

This change alters the traditional competitive structure of English football, potentially impacting club strategies and league dynamics, according to league communications. Removing relegation could affect the motivation and financial models of lower-ranked teams, while expansion may influence broadcasting and commercial arrangements, based on statements from the Premier League.