The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) has unveiled a major restructuring of the Championship for the upcoming season, signaling an exciting new era for the league. The division is expanding from 12 to 16 teams, promising more action-packed fixtures and heightened competition for fans and players alike.

Four clubs are stepping up from the Premier Intermediate League (PIL)—Moyola Park, Strabane Athletic, Rathfriland Rangers, and Newry City—while Glenavon drops down from the Irish Premiership. The PIL itself is being replaced by the National Conference League, marking a shift in the lower tiers of Northern Irish football.

Under the new format, the Championship will see two teams automatically relegated next season, with the 14th-place finisher facing the National Conference League runners-up in a playoff. Promotion to the top flight remains unchanged: the Championship winners earn an automatic spot, while the second-place team battles the 11th-place Premiership side in a two-legged promotion/relegation playoff.

Each of the 16 teams will face each other home and away, totaling 30 matches, before the league splits into two sections based on standings. Post-split, every club will play an additional seven games, ensuring a dramatic finish to the season.

Last season, Limavady United claimed the Championship title and secured their place in the Irish Premiership, while Annagh United fell short in the promotion playoff, losing to Crusaders on penalties. With this restructure, the stage is set for even more thrilling battles and unforgettable moments in Northern Irish football.