The 2026/27 National League season is rapidly approaching, and fans are eagerly awaiting the fixture release. The official announcement is set for Friday at 11am UK time, exactly four weeks before the campaign kicks off on Saturday, August 8. This year's schedule promises high drama as 24 teams compete for promotion to the English Football League.
New Faces in the Division
Two clubs join the National League after relegation from League Two: Harrogate Town and Barrow. Both sides will aim for an immediate return to the EFL. Meanwhile, York City, the 2025/26 champions, have earned automatic promotion and will not feature in this season's fixture list. Rochdale also departed after winning the play-off final against Boreham Wood on penalties, leaving room for the newly promoted and relegated teams to battle for supremacy.
Season Structure and Key Dates
Each of the 24 teams will play 46 league matches, facing every other club home and away. The regular season is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, April 24, 2027, after which the play-offs will determine the second promoted side. The play-off format includes semi-finals and a final at a neutral venue.
Broadcast Information
Fans unable to attend matches can watch via DAZN, the league's official broadcasting partner, which will stream selected fixtures throughout the season. Sky Sports also offers extensive coverage of the National League as part of its Ultimate TV package, which includes HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu, alongside over 1,400 live matches from the Premier League and EFL.
What to Expect
The fixture announcement will reveal the opening weekend matchups, including potential derbies and key clashes. With Harrogate Town and Barrow looking to bounce back, and other sides vying for promotion, the 2026/27 season promises intense competition. According to the National League, the full fixture list will be published on their official website and social media channels at 11am on Friday.
