On August 1, 2026, a new season of the Ukrainian Premier League will start. But before discussing dates, it's worth looking at the composition — because that's what explains why the first round looks the way it does.
Three new teams — and one hasn't played in the elite for 32 years
From the UPL 2026/27, Rukh, Oleksandriia, and Poltava were relegated. Their places were taken by Bukovyna (Chernivtsi), Chornomorets (Odesa), Livyi Bereh (Kyiv), and Kudrívka. Bukovyna returned to the elite after a 32-year break — the club last competed in the top division of the Soviet-era system. Livyi Bereh and Kudrívka made it through playoff matches: the former defeated Oleksandriia (1:1, 1:0), while the latter beat Ahrobiznes on penalties (0:0, 2:2, 3:2 — pen.).
Calendar: what is already known
The season is divided by a winter break into two parts. Until December 12, teams will play 16 rounds, after which the championship will resume on February 27, 2027 with matches of the 17th round. The final, 30th round is scheduled for June 4, 2027. The specific times of the first round matches will be announced later.
The first round already tells the story
The defending champion Shakhtar will start the season against debutants Kudrívka — on the Donetsk side's field. Dynamo will play a capital derby against Livyi Bereh. The first "Classic" derby between Shakhtar and Dynamo is scheduled for round 12 (base date — November 7), with the return match in Kyiv on round 27.
Shakhtar faces a competitor right from the first match — not by the level of the opponent, but by its symbolism: a debutant in the very first round against the champion.
The logic of the UPL draw
Youth championship — return after a break
In addition to the first team's calendar, clubs at their meetings supported changes to the regulations. The most notable — the resumption of the UPL youth teams championship, which was not held due to the full-scale invasion.
If Bukovyna or Kudrívka maintain their place in the league based on the season results — this will be the first full test of a new wave of clubs that entered the UPL not through financial resources but through results on the field. Will they be able to withstand the full marathon of 30 rounds?
