SPL fixtures for the 2025/26 season are typically released in late June, outlining the 38-game journey for all 12 top-flight Scottish clubs from August through May. The schedule follows a unique “split” format where the league divides into a top six and bottom six after 33 matches to determine the champion, European spots, and relegation. This comprehensive guide provides the definitive roadmap for following every matchday, understanding kickoff shifts for TV, and navigating the complex Scottish football calendar.
The Scottish Premiership, often still referred to by its former brand “SPL,” remains one of the most physically demanding and high-intensity leagues in Europe. Fans and analysts look to the fixture list not just for dates, but to identify “crunch periods” where European commitments intersect with domestic derbies. In the following sections, we will break down the schedule by month, analyze the impact of the winter break, and provide practical tips for attending matches at iconic grounds like Celtic Park, Ibrox, and Pittodrie.
The Scottish Premiership Format
The SPL utilizes a “tri-round robin” system where teams play each other three times before the league splits into two sections for the final five games. This ensures a 38-game season while maximizing the number of high-stakes matches between closely ranked opponents in the final weeks.
Matches are predominantly scheduled for Saturday afternoons at 3:00 PM, though broadcast requirements frequently move games to Friday nights, Sundays, or midweek slots. Sky Sports holds the primary domestic rights, which means high-profile fixtures involving the “Old Firm” or Edinburgh derby are subject to change up to six weeks in advance.
August: The Season Kickoff
August fixtures serve as the proving ground for new signings and tactical shifts implemented during the short summer break. Most clubs face a heavy schedule during this month as the early rounds of the Scottish League Cup also take place in midweeks.
For clubs participating in UEFA competitions, August is particularly grueling due to qualifying rounds. Fixture congestion during this month often leads to squad rotation, which can result in early-season “upsets” against smaller, well-rested sides.
September: Finding League Rhythm
By September, the league table begins to take shape as the initial adrenaline of the opening day fades into tactical consistency. This month usually features the first installment of the Glasgow Derby, a fixture that often sets the psychological tone for the title race.
Weather conditions in Scotland during September remain relatively mild, favoring fast-paced, attacking football on high-quality grass surfaces. This is often cited by analysts as the month where the league’s top scorers begin to distance themselves from the pack.
October: Mid-Autumn Pressure
October introduces the first wave of midweek fixtures for the general league body, testing the depth of squads outside the top four. The shortening days and drop in temperature begin to affect pitch conditions, particularly for clubs still using older drainage systems.
Clubs in the bottom half of the table often target October as a “must-win” period to avoid being cut adrift before the winter months. Tactical flexibility becomes key as managers deal with the first significant wave of seasonal injuries.
November: The Winter Grind
November fixtures are characterized by high-intensity matches played under floodlights, creating the classic “night game” atmosphere synonymous with Scottish football. The schedule remains dense as teams push toward the halfway mark of the 38-game season.
International breaks in November can either provide a much-needed rest for struggling teams or disrupt the momentum of those on winning streaks. Betting markets often see a shift during this period as “home-field advantage” becomes more pronounced in colder weather.
December: The Festive Period
The December fixture list is the most congested part of the SPL calendar, with games occurring every 3-4 days around the holidays. Traditionally, the “Boxing Day” and “New Year’s” fixtures are the most attended matches of the season across all 12 stadiums.
The New Year Derby (often Celtic vs. Rangers or Hearts vs. Hibernian) is the focal point of this period. Successful teams in December usually have robust medical departments and deep benches to handle the rapid turnaround between matchdays.
January: Winter Break Impact
The SPL typically implements a two-week winter break following the New Year fixtures to allow players to recover and pitches to be maintained. This means January fixtures are sparse, usually resuming with the Scottish Cup fourth round followed by midweek league games.
The January transfer window runs concurrently with these fixtures, often leading to “debut” appearances in the late-month matches. Fans closely watch the lineup sheets during this time to see how new reinforcements integrate into the starting XI.
February: The Race for Top Six
As February arrives, the focus shifts toward securing a spot in the top half of the table before the “split.” The points gap between 6th and 7th place becomes the primary narrative, as finishing in the top six guarantees safety from relegation.
Conditions in February can be the most challenging of the year, with snow or frozen pitches occasionally leading to match postponements. These postponed “games in hand” can create a skewed league table, adding extra pressure to midweek make-up fixtures.
March: Spring Tactical Shifts
March fixtures represent the final stretch of the regular 33-game season before the league divides. Teams fighting against relegation often adopt more conservative, “points-first” tactics during this month to ensure they remain within touching distance of safety.
For the title contenders, March is about maintaining focus despite the distractions of the Scottish Cup quarter-finals. Maintaining a clean sheet becomes the priority as the margin for error narrows to almost zero.
April: The League Split
After Matchday 33, the SPL fixtures are recalculated for the final five games of the season, known as the “Post-Split” fixtures. The top six teams play each other once more, and the bottom six do the same, ensuring that the title and relegation battles are decided through head-to-head competition.
The scheduling of the split is a complex process managed by the SPFL to ensure fairness in “home and away” balance. It is common for the final derby of the season to be scheduled during the first two weeks of the split to maximize global viewership.
May: Championship and Relegation
May is the month of reckoning, where the final five fixtures determine the champion, European qualifiers, and the team relegated to the Championship. The bottom-placed team is automatically relegated, while the 11th-placed team enters a two-legged playoff.
Trophy presentations usually occur on the final day of the season at the home stadium of the winning club. These matches are high-emotion events, often selling out months in advance regardless of the specific opponent.
Key Rivalries and Derby Dates
The “Old Firm” (Celtic vs. Rangers) and the “Edinburgh Derby” (Hearts vs. Hibs) are the pillars of the SPL fixture list. These matches are usually scheduled for early kickoff times (12:00 PM or 12:30 PM) on weekends to accommodate police requests and TV broadcasts.
Other significant rivalries include the “New Firm” (Aberdeen vs. Dundee United) and various regional derbies like the Tayside or Lanarkshire clashes. These fixtures often see higher-than-average card counts and intense atmospheres, making them favorites for neutral viewers.
Venue Guide: Where Matches Happen
SPL fixtures are played across 12 primary venues, ranging from the massive 60,000-seat Celtic Park to smaller, community-focused stadiums like the Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall. Each venue offers a distinct tactical challenge, with the smaller pitches often favoring defensive, compact sides.
Artificial turf (plastic pitches) is a recurring talking point in Scottish football, with several clubs utilizing 4G surfaces. Visiting teams often adjust their training regimens in the days leading up to fixtures on these surfaces to account for the different ball bounce and player traction.
TV Broadcasts and Kickoff Changes
Standard SPL fixtures are scheduled for Saturdays at 3:00 PM, but these are frequently moved for Sky Sports or BBC Scotland coverage. Changes are typically announced in batches: July (for Aug-Sept), September (for Oct-Dec), and December (for Jan-March).
International viewers can often access fixtures through “Club TV” subscriptions (like Celtic TV or RangersTV) if they live outside the UK and Ireland. These platforms provide live streams for matches not selected for mainstream satellite broadcast.
Practical Information and Planning
Opening Hours and Match Duration
Most SPL matches kick off at 3:00 PM or 12:30 PM and last approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including the 15-minute halftime interval. Turnstiles generally open 60 to 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff.
Ticket Prices and Availability
- Top-tier matches (Old Firm): £35–£60 (often restricted to season ticket holders).
- Standard matches: £22–£35 for adults; £12–£20 for concessions.
- Buying: Most tickets can be purchased via official club websites; some smaller clubs offer “pay at the gate” for specific stands.
How to Get There
Most Scottish stadiums are located within walking distance of major rail links. For example, Hampden Park and Ibrox are easily accessible via the Glasgow Subway or ScotRail, while Murrayfield (used occasionally) and Tynecastle are served by the Edinburgh Trams.
Tips for Visitors
- Check the Weather: Scottish weather is unpredictable; even if the sun is out, a waterproof jacket is essential for open-corner stadiums.
- Arrive Early: Security checks have become more stringent; allow at least 45 minutes to get through the turnstiles.
- Transport: Book train tickets in advance via ScotRail to avoid long queues at kiosks on matchday.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the SPL fixtures released?
The fixtures for the upcoming season are generally released during the third week of June. This allows fans roughly six weeks to plan travel before the opening weekend in early August.
Why do some games get moved to Sundays?
Games are primarily moved to Sundays because of television broadcasting rights (Sky Sports) or because a club played in the UEFA Europa League or Conference League the previous Thursday.
How does the “Split” work in the SPL?
After 33 games, the league divides into two groups of six. Teams in the top six play each other to decide the title and European spots, while the bottom six play to avoid relegation. Points earned in the first 33 games carry over.
Where can I buy tickets for SPL matches?
The most reliable way to buy tickets is through the official websites of the home clubs. For high-demand games, you may need to register an account in advance or prove a previous purchase history.
Can I watch SPL matches on TV in the UK?
Yes, Sky Sports broadcasts up to 60 live matches per season. Additionally, BBC Scotland shows weekly highlights on “Sportscene,” and some Friday night games are shown on the BBC Scotland channel.
What is the “Winter Break” in Scottish football?
The winter break is a scheduled hiatus in January, usually lasting two weeks. It is designed to protect players from burnout and allow groundskeepers to repair pitches during the coldest part of the year.
Are there any Friday night fixtures in the SPL?
Yes, the SPFL occasionally schedules Friday night matches for television broadcast. These are popular for generating a “big match” atmosphere under the floodlights to start the weekend.
How many teams are relegated from the SPL?
One team (12th place) is automatically relegated to the Scottish Championship. The 11th-placed team enters a two-legged playoff final against the winner of the Championship playoffs to determine who stays up.
Is alcohol sold inside SPL stadiums?
No, the sale of alcohol is currently banned within the seating areas and general concourses of Scottish football stadiums for domestic matches, with the exception of corporate hospitality suites.
Final Thoughts
The SPL fixtures for the 2025/26 season represent more than just a calendar; they are a strategic roadmap that defines the financial and competitive health of Scottish football. With the season running from August 2, 2025, to May 17, 2026, clubs face a grueling 38-game schedule intensified by the removal of the winter break to accommodate expanded UEFA competition dates. This shift places a premium on squad depth and tactical rotation, particularly for the five Scottish clubs competing on the European stage.
As the league progresses toward the Matchday 33 split on April 11/12, 2026, every fixture carries weight for both the title race and the battle against relegation. The 2025/26 campaign has already seen significant managerial shifts and high-stakes drama, highlighting the league’s volatility. For fans, staying updated on kickoff changes due to record-breaking TV coverage is essential for navigating a season that promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent SPFL history.
For more lifestyle Sports and cultural insights, explore our latest features:
Jacob Bethell: England’s Rising Multi-Format Cricket Sensation
AFCON Results: Latest 2025/26 Scores, Standings, and Match Summaries
AFCON Schedule: Complete Guide and Match Timelines
To Read More: Manchester Independent