When is SPFL fixture release day? Time, date and why domestic calendar is under 'additional pressure'

The SPFL have announced when clubs will find out their fixtures for the 25/26 season.

There is already preparation underway for the next campaign but both Hearts and Hibs have so much to play for in the present. A 2-0 win for David Gray’s side at Rangers has fuelled belief that third can be clinched by Hibs, sparking hopes of European league phase football.

Hearts meanwhile are going to a final day decider to see if they make the top six in the Premiership. They meet Motherwell, a point behind them in the division, and must win to ensure they finish in the top half. A draw could be enough but only if St Mirren don’t beat Ross County.

Key dates for SPFL season 25/26

In terms of next season, The Premiership, Championship, League 1 and League 2 will all begin on the weekend of August 1-3. May 16/17 will bring the end of the top flight campaign while Championship, League 1 and League 2 clubs will finish their regular seasons on the first weekend in May, before play-offs begin

The expanded UEFA club competitions through the league phase puts “additional pressure on the domestic calendar.” As a result, there is no winter break scheduled for next campaign. The Premier Sports Cup group stage will start on the weekend of July 12/13, with the final scheduled for Sunday December 14. The quarter-finals will be played on a weekend.

Fans will discover what the calendar looks like in a domestic sense on Friday, June 20th, at 9am. SPFL Chief Operating Officer Calum Beattie said earlier this year: “We are only just into the second half of the season across the four divisions and there is so much to look forward to in the remaining months of season 2024/25.

“However, we are well aware that clubs and supporters need to plan ahead. We are therefore pleased to be able to confirm start and end dates for season 2025/26, as well as the full schedule for the Premier Sports Cup. We will again have five clubs competing in UEFA club competitions in season 2025/26 and, of course, we are all hoping that next season ends with Scotland’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

Key Premiership dates

Fixture round 1 - Weekend of August 2/3, 2025

Fixture round 33 - Weekend of April 11/12, 2026

Fixture round 38 - Weekend of May 16/17, 2026

Premiership play-off final - Thursday May 21 & Sunday May 24, 2026

Key Premier Sports cup dates

Group stage - MD1: Weekend of July 12/13, 2025MD2: Midweek of July 15/16, 2025MD3: Weekend of July 19/20, 2025MD4: Midweek of July 22/23, 2025MD5: Weekend of July 26/27, 2025

Second round - Weekend of August 16/17, 2025

Quarter-finals - Weekend of September 20/21, 2025

Semi-finals - Weekend of November 1/2, 2025

Final - Sunday December 14, 2025