Why is there only one Premier League game on Boxing Day this year?

Boxing Day has long been a highlight of the English football calendar, but this year’s tradition has been scaled back in the Premier League. The December 26 soccer tradition will be practically broken this year, with the Premier League meeting its broadcasting obligations by holding most games over the weekend. This season, Boxing Day falls on a Friday, and instead of the usual full slate, only one of the 10 Premier League matches will take place today, with Manchester United hosting Newcastle at Old Trafford.

Why no Boxing Day soccer in the Premier League in 2025?

Traditionally, Dec. 26 hosts the bulk of the Premier League’s fixtures. For example, in the 2024-25 season, eight of 10 matchday 18 games were played on Boxing Day. But English clubs are contractually required to play 33 weekend matches each season, leaving only five midweek slots. With expanded European competitions and the FA Cup now taking up more weekends, the Premier League needs Saturday, Dec. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 28, to meet its obligations.

A historic Boxing Day low

This will make the 2025-26 Boxing Day the sparsest since World War II, with only one match scheduled. Previously, the record for the fewest Boxing Day games since 1945 was two games in 1981. By contrast, in 2014, when Boxing Day also fell on a Friday, all 10 Premier League games went ahead on the same day.

The future of Boxing Day

The Times notes that when Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, the league expects a return to normal. This year, however, is being treated as a regular weekend, with games split across Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, the EFL and National League (Championship, League One, League Two, and non-league football) remain loyal to tradition, scheduling all their fixtures for Dec. 26.

English football fans have long treasured their holiday traditions, but in 2025, TV money calls the shots.

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