The wait is over. The Premier League is back for its 2025–26 season, and the possibility of another whitewash tour of English football’s most dramatic stage looms. New-blood signings, old giants, and poisonous rivalries lie ahead, and the fans are getting ready to see a season that will redefine the title battle. Here’s what you need to know about the season start, headline fixtures, and ahead.

Start Date and Season Overview

Premier League 2025-26 season officially starts on Friday, August 15, 2025, and ends on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Kickoff weekend witnesses an entire round of matches, with title-holders Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield for the kickoff on Saturday, August 16, at 12:30 AM IST.

The season will encompass:

• 33 weekend rounds
• 5 midweek rounds
• No games on December 24, which provides extended breaks to players during the holidays

The fixture schedule was designed to maximise recovery time for players following the 2024-25 season and complete before the beginning of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in June.

Opening Weekend Fixtures

Matchday One is filled with exciting matches. Some of the most highly awaited fixtures are provided below:

The new season starts here.

2025/26 pic.twitter.com/VmoxPb8dbu

— Premier League (@premierleague) June 18, 2025

The game to watch? Manchester United vs Arsenal on Sunday, August 17—a season-defining match that could be the catalyst for a thrilling campaign.

Title Contenders and Transfers

Liverpool

The champions are heading into the season with an entirely new-look squad. New signings are:

• Florian Wirtz: German attacking midfielder Leverkusen is to be Klopp’s creative heartbeat.
• Hugo Ekitike: French attacking forward who offers Liverpool attacking strength.

Liverpool fans are optimistic, especially with Arne Slot following in the footsteps of Klopp’s legacy and seeking to bring the club its 20th divisional title.

Manchester City

Last season’s third finish, Pep Guardiola’s team is anxious to reclaim the title. Significant signings

• Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki: Geniuses in midfield waiting to fill the vacuum caused by Kevin De Bruyne.
• Rayan Ait-Nouri: Strengthening down the left flank.
• James Trafford: Depth added to the goalkeeping unit.

And with Erling Haaland still pulling the strings, City is a force to be reckoned with.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s side are set to bring an end to their 21-year wait for the title. Viktor Gyökeres brings firepower to the strike force, and Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke bring creativity to the midfield.

Promoted Teams and Relegation Fight

Three teams come back to the Premier League this year:

• Leeds United
• Burnley
• Sunderland

Sunderland’s return is an emotional one, having finally come back after years in the lower leagues. Sunderland fans remain optimistic but guarded, thinking new signings like Granit Xhaka can be leaders.

Other teams like Wolves, Everton, and Nottingham Forest are gearing up for a fight to remain in the league.

Rivalries to Watch

Premier League adores drama, and so does this season. The greatest rivalries are:

• Merseyside Derby: Liverpool vs Everton
• North London Derby: Tottenham vs Arsenal
• Manchester Derby: City vs United
• English Clasico: Liverpool vs Manchester United
• Chelsea vs Liverpool: Tactical clashes and title aspiration

These matches are more than football-they are cultural benchmarks that fracture cities and set passions ablaze.

How to Watch in the UK

For the British fans, Premier League matches will be available live on Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video. Sky Sports will host the majority of the matches, while TNT Sports will host some games, including lunchtime kick-offs on Saturdays. Amazon Prime Video will have a limited number of exclusive match rounds throughout the season. All the broadcasters have purchased the rights for the whole 2025–26 season and offer uninterrupted access to all 380 matches.

Final Words

The Premier League 2025-26 season promises to be one of the most closely contested in recent times. With Liverpool looking to retain their title, Manchester City reloading for another shot, and Arsenal seeking redemption, the title battle is open.

Add in the return of historic clubs, blockbuster signings, and fierce rivalries, and you’ve got a season that promises drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

So mark the date in your calendars, wind your alarm clocks, and get ready—Premier League football returns.