Premiership CEO Phil Morris has confirmed that discussions to run the top flight with six teams this season are now at an advanced stage.
The update comes with the sale of Ipswich close to completion, with the Witches confirmed as starters for the 2026 campaign at the sport’s recent AGM.
Although contingency plans exist should the Premiership operate with five teams, it is widely accepted that this would not be the preferred outcome.
Extensive work is ongoing to secure a sixth club, a move that would represent a significant boost for British Speedway.
Speaking to the British Speedway website, Morris said:
“We fully understand that this has been the most frustrating of winters for supporters, as by late November there is usually certainty over plans for the following season.
It’s regrettable that we haven’t been in a position to offer that clarity so far, but as we move into February we felt it was important to offer an update to confirm that matters are progressing.
We are still optimistic that there will be six teams in the Premiership, and we are in very serious negotiations to make it happen.
Ipswich did provide an update recently to state that the sale has been agreed and it’s now going through the legal process before it can be formally announced. I do understand they are in talks with riders and I’m sure they will put together a competitive side.
I can’t say too much more about the potential sixth team at the moment as there are matters to be finalised there, but everyone is keen to see them join us.
We are working on fixtures and will have them released as soon as possible once we have the clubs sorted, but I can say the current expectation is that the official schedule will begin in week commencing March 30.
Should there be six teams, they will do two home and away each for the league, and the KO Cup will run with two groups of three teams, with the group winners meeting in the Final.
We do thank everyone for their patience and assure them there is a great deal of work taking place to make this a strong Premiership season once again.”
Quote and Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway
