Ethiopian Premier League: EPLSC eyes format shake-up for 2025/26 season

The Ethiopian Premier League Share Company (EPLSC) is considering a slight format change for the 2025/26 season. The league has been played in a single venue for the past five seasons, but a change appears to be on the horizon.

With a television rights deal with SuperSport, the league adopted the single-venue system to host all games, allowing clubs to receive more coverage. Nonetheless, fans were forced to travel frequently to support their favorite teams. The condition of the playing pitch also deteriorated due to the fact that nine games were played at the same stadium over four days, leaving the pitch in poor condition.

The proposed change would allow clubs to choose from three designated host stadiums as their home venues, signaling a shift back to the traditional home-and-away format. A source close to the matter told Pan Africa Football that these changes could be approved at the next EPLSC general assembly.

Due to political instability and war, hosting games across Ethiopia remains a distant dream. Addis Ababa giants Saint George and Ethiopian Coffee lost ticket revenue because games were being played outside the Ethiopian capital.

The 18-team league will be trimmed to 16 clubs starting next season.