The Annual Summer Ritual: EFL Fixture Release Day Approaches

With the Swans undertaking what feels like a strong close season at the moment, attention will start to turn to fixtures again next Thursday when the calendars for nine months from August start to fill up with the release of the always anticipated fixture list.

The Premier League fixtures were released this week and straight away fans of EFL clubs started to think of next week when the full schedule for the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship, League One, and League Two seasons will be unveiled. From calculating travel costs for away days to circling key derby clashes, the fixture list is more than just a list of games – it’s the blueprint for the next nine months of passion, hope, and despair.

With the date so imminent it felt right just to get JackBot to take a look at how the fixture lists are created and all the various factors that go into the lists that you will be looking at from midday next week.

The Art and Science of Fixture Creation

Far from a simple random draw, the creation of the EFL fixtures is a painstaking and complex process that begins almost half a year in advance. It’s a logistical jigsaw puzzle involving thousands of matches and a multitude of considerations. The EFL, in collaboration with a dedicated “Fixtures Working Party” and IT services company Atos, works to weave together a schedule that meets various criteria.

The process starts by ring-fencing international breaks and major UEFA club competition dates. Then, a sophisticated computer program comes into play, guided by a set of rules and requests from clubs and local authorities. These rules are designed to ensure fairness, minimise travel burdens, and address specific local concerns. For instance, clubs from the same city or close proximity (like Cardiff City and Swansea City, or the various London clubs) will rarely play at home on the same day to avoid policing and transport issues. Similarly, clubs will typically not start or end the season with two consecutive home or away games.

The festive period is another major consideration. The aim is to minimise travel for fans around Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, often alternating home and away fixtures during this busy period. Clubs also provide input on any dates they wish to avoid being at home due to local events or other commitments, which are then cross-referenced with local police advice. While the computer generates the initial drafts, human intervention is crucial. The Fixtures Working Party meticulously reviews the schedule, making adjustments to accommodate specific requests or resolve clashes, a process that can lead to a cascade of further changes. The goal is to produce a list that, while never perfect for every single club, is deemed equitable and manageable for the majority.

Key Things to Look Out For

When the fixtures drop, supporters immediately dive into their club’s schedule, looking for several key elements:

• Opening Day Opponent: The first game of the season always generates immense excitement. Is it a home banker, a challenging away trip, or an early derby?
• Derby Dates: Local rivalries are the lifeblood of football. Fans eagerly seek out when their team will face their fiercest rivals, planning for those intense, must-win encounters.
• Festive Period: The Christmas and New Year fixtures are a tradition. How many home games are there? Are there any particularly tricky away trips over the holidays?
• Bank Holiday Fixtures: Matches on Bank Holidays are popular for many fans, offering a chance to attend games when work commitments are lighter.
• Run-ins: As the season progresses, the final few games can be crucial. Supporters will be analysing the difficulty of their team’s last few fixtures, particularly for promotion or relegation battles.
• Promoted and Relegated Teams: How do the newly promoted sides fare in their early schedule? Do the relegated clubs face tough starts as they look to bounce back?

The Impact of the Television Deal at Championship Level

The Championship, renowned for its unpredictable nature and competitive spirit, has seen a significant shift with the new five-year television deal with Sky Sports, which commenced in the 2024/25 season. This agreement has had a profound impact on fixture scheduling and fan experience.

Under the new deal, Sky Sports is set to broadcast an unprecedented number of games – over 1,000 across the EFL each season, with a minimum of 328 Championship matches. This represents a 50% increase in the value of the broadcast rights. The introduction of “Sky Sports+” and a new dedicated channel means that almost every Championship game could theoretically be streamed live.

While increased exposure and revenue for clubs are clear benefits, the television deal brings its own set of challenges for fixture compilers and fans. The need to accommodate multiple live broadcast slots often means more Friday night and Sunday kick-offs, as well as changes to traditional Saturday 3 PM kick-offs. This can lead to disruption for travelling supporters, who may face increased costs and logistical difficulties when matches are moved at short notice.

The EFL and Sky Sports have committed to providing longer notice periods for TV selections, aiming to alleviate some of these issues. However, the sheer volume of games to be televised inevitably means a more fluid schedule, where fans will need to remain vigilant for potential changes to their club’s fixtures throughout the season. The balance between maximising broadcast revenue and preserving the traditional matchday experience for loyal fans remains a key tension in the modern game, and the Championship, with its fervent fanbases, is at the sharp end of this dynamic.

As Thursday approaches, the anticipation builds. The release of the EFL fixtures is a reminder that the summer is drawing to a close and the roar of the crowd is not far off. For supporters up and down the country, it’s the official start of a new season – a season of dreams, drama, and dedication.

The Swansea City and EFL Championship fixture lists will be available on JackArmy.net from 12pm next Thursday (26th June)