The league is pleased to announce an updated competition structure for the 2026 season, designed to streamline operations, improve competitive balance, and provide more opportunities for players and clubs, all while reducing the burden of long-distance travel.
Key Change: Introduction of Championship Central
From 2026, the league will expand its Championship level to three divisions: Championship East, Championship West, and the newly created Championship Central.
The introduction of Championship Central allows for a fairer balance of clubs at this level and crucially means the Ebor Divisions will not need to be split. This retains the existing structure at the Ebor level, preserving stability for clubs and ensuring continuity across the league system.
The Championship divisions will be populated by promoting three teams from each Division 1, and that there will be no additional relegations above those numbers already advised. It is likely it will be lea than the three from each existing Championship. Following evaluation of those eligible for promotion to the Championship, if only one team is relegated [from the Championship or any level] it will be the team with the lowest number of points.
However, promotions will only take place into the Championship where teams meet the required criteria [or have a plan agreed by the league] and those that do not meet the criteria who are in ECB Premier Divisions [I & II] are likely to face relegation.
Next Steps:
Detailed information on divisional allocations, competition formats, and fixture planning will be shared with clubs after the 2025 season has been concluded..
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