Premier League (Hong Kong) 2026/27

The Hong Kong Premier League stands as the top tier of professional football in the territory. Established in 2014 by the Football Association of Hong Kong, it succeeded the historic First Division League, which had operated since 1908. The creation of the competition followed the HKFA’s “Project Phoenix” reform plan aimed at professionalising the sport. This initiative introduced stricter licensing requirements, prize money, and government funding. The competition features 11 clubs. The season structure comprises a double round-robin regular season. After this phase, teams split into a Championship Group and a Challenge Group. Within these groups, sides play a single round-robin to determine final standings. Promotion and relegation link the league to the Hong Kong First Division League, which now serves as the second tier. Typically, one club is promoted while one or two are relegated, although these numbers fluctuate based on league size and club licensing. Kitchee is the most successful club in the league’s history. They have won seven titles as of the 2025–26 season, a campaign in which they also remain current champions. The league has been sponsored by BOC Life since its inception, officially operating under the name BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League. Reforms have gradually modernised the competition. VAR was introduced in the 2023–24 season. In the following year, reserve teams were replaced by U22 squads. The format differs significantly from the Hong Kong Senior Shield, a knockout cup competition established in 1896. The Senior Shield is Asia’s fourth-oldest football tournament, contrasting with the modern, league-based structure of the Premier League.