Changes to Boxing Day Fixtures: A Unique Premier League Season

In a historic shift for the Premier League, the 2025/26 season will see only one top-flight match scheduled for Boxing Day: Manchester United versus Newcastle United. This departure from the longstanding tradition of a full lineup of matches on December 26 marks a significant change in the league’s scheduling.

The Premier League has intentionally limited the number of matches on Boxing Day due to the challenges posed by fixture congestion and broadcasting commitments. On December 22, the league released a statement addressing the reasons behind this reduced schedule, acknowledging the impact on a cherished aspect of English football.

This year, the Premier League faces various scheduling challenges exacerbated by the expansion of European club competitions. Consequently, the domestic calendar was revised, resulting in a 33-weekend competition format, which is fewer weekends than in previous seasons. With December 26 falling on a Friday this year, the only available broadcast slot was allocated to the Manchester United vs. Newcastle match.

The league stated, “With fewer weekends to work with, the scheduling is constrained by the calendar. However, we assure fans that next season, we will see an increase in the number of matches on Boxing Day, as the date will fall on a Saturday.”

In addition, the Premier League’s commitment to player welfare has led to adjustments aimed at granting players more recovery time between fixtures during the festive period. This season’s arrangement ensures that no club will compete within 60 hours of their previous match.

Despite the limited number of Premier League games on Boxing Day, football fans will still have plenty of action to enjoy on television. Matches from other competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations, will be broadcasted throughout the day, providing a variety of viewing options for enthusiasts.

As football fans look ahead, the Premier League has assured that future Boxing Days will return to their traditional format, bringing back the excitement of multiple matches when the calendar aligns favorably.