New JD Cymru Premier format revealed as league moves to 16 teams
In two years time, the Cymru Premier will look very different to what it is today. (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
The 2026/27 JD Cymru Premier structure has been revealed with the league set to expand from 12 teams up to 16.
An announcement from the Football Association of Wales (FAW) read:
“From the 2026/27 season, the JD Cymru Premier will increase from its current 12-team format to a 16-team competition.
“Every club will play each other twice, once at home and once away. 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.”
How does this help the JD Cymru Premier?
The aim of this new strategy is to build fan connection by adding varied fixtures throughout the campaign and give clubs across Wales the chance to build relationships by giving a wider range of fixtures.
It will also look to improve the overall quality of the top flight by maintaining a high-level of competition in the aim to progress further in European competitions.
The FAW also believes this will offer long term sustainability for the top division and it’s clubs with enhanced match-day revenue, sponsorships, broadcast revenue and increased fan engagement from more matches.
Speaking on the new plans FAW Head of Domestic Leagues Jack Sharp 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 JD Cymru Premier structure evaluation was undertaken alongside Twenty First Group, global
leaders in bespoke B2B sports intelligence.
They have previously worked with UEFA and leagues around the world including the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Eredivisie and Major League Soccer.
Further details on the new strategy will be shared by the FAW in due course.
