Premier League returns: no more hydration breaks

The Premier League season is finally back, and with it comes a return to traditional football: no more hydration breaks, no half-time shows, and a focus on the action on the pitch. After a summer that saw these interruptions become commonplace, fans can again enjoy the game in its purest form. Here is everything you need to know about the new campaign.

When does the new season start?

The new Premier League season kicks off on the weekend of August 9-10, 2025. All 20 clubs will be in action, with the opening fixtures set to be announced in June. The season will run through to May 2026, with the final round of matches scheduled for May 17, 2026.

How to watch the Premier League

For the upcoming season, broadcast rights are held by Sky Sports and TNT Sports in the UK, who will show a combined total of 200 live matches. Amazon Prime Video will also broadcast a selection of matches during the festive period. Viewers can also stream matches via official platforms such as Sky Go and TNT Sports app. International broadcasters will continue to show matches globally, with details available on the Premier League's official website.

Key rule changes for 2025/26

  • No more hydration breaks: The temporary breaks that were introduced during the summer are removed, restoring the traditional flow of the game.
  • Half-time shows discontinued: The extended half-time intervals are a thing of the past, with the standard 15-minute break reinstated.
  • Continued use of VAR: Video Assistant Referee will remain in use, with potential tweaks to be confirmed.

Title race analysis

Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool have dominated the title race in recent seasons. City have won the last four titles and remain the team to beat. However, Arsenal and Liverpool have closed the gap, and with the return of regular football, the battle for the crown is expected to be fierce. The absence of hydration breaks could favour teams with high pressing intensity, as they no longer have natural pauses to regroup.

Fantasy Premier League impact

FPL managers should note that the removal of hydration breaks means matches will be slightly shorter in duration, but the impact on fatigue is minimal. Key players such as Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah remain top picks, but keep an eye on emerging talent from the summer transfer window. With fixtures coming thick and fast, squad rotation will be crucial.

What's next?

With the season opener just weeks away, clubs are finalising their squads and pre-season preparations. The fixture list release will give fans a clearer picture of the challenges ahead. Expect a thrilling campaign with no excuses for mid-match interruptions. The beautiful game is back in its full glory.

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