JD Cymru Premier promotion and relegation system confirmed for 2025/26 season

Ahead of the expansion of the JD Cymru Premier in the 2026/27 season, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) has confirmed the relegation and promotion system for the 2025/26 campaign. 

In September 2024, it was announced that the JD Cymru Premier will increase from its current 12-team format to a 16-team competition for the start of the 2026/27 season. 

2026/27 Format Explained

JD Cymru Premier

To facilitate this transition, the FAW has carefully considered a range of options to ensure a smooth and equitable progression to the expanded format. 

The FAW National Leagues Board has confirmed that the clubs who finish 11th and 12th in the JD Cymru Premier in the 2025/26 season will be relegated to the JD Cymru North/South. 

The top three clubs (First, Second and Third place finishers) from both the JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South in the 2025/26 season will be promoted to the JD Cymru Premier, subject to meeting Tier 1 licensing requirements.

In order to significantly develop the number of Tier 1 licensed clubs, the FAW has established a future growth fund designed for Tier 2 clubs to access. 

Learn more from FA Wales

Sign up to receive all things FAW, from team news, tickets, domestic, grassroots, to exclusive offers and prize draws.

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data – view our privacy policy by clicking here.