The SPFL has confirmed an expanded format for the 2026/27 KDM Evolution Trophy, with a 40-club league phase set to headline the revamped competition.
Following the success of last season’s overhaul, the tournament will grow to include 10 guest clubs drawn from the Highland League and both the East and West divisions of the Lowland League.
🏆 An expanded KDM Evolution Trophy for 2026/27 with 10 guest clubs joining this year's competition ➡️ https://t.co/jZac0hwPFC@TheKDMGroup | #InYourHands pic.twitter.com/zAl41v49Hq
— SPFL (@spfl) June 3, 2026
Banks o’ Dee, Berwick Rangers, Bonnyrigg Rose, Clachnacuddin, Clydebank, Cowdenbeath, Cumbernauld Colts, Formartine United, Fraserburgh and Gala Fairydean Rovers have all accepted invitations and will join League 1, League 2 and Premiership B teams in the opening stage.
The league phase will see clubs split into four pots by division, with each side playing six matches — two against teams from each of the other pots. Premiership B teams will again play all fixtures away from home.
All results will feed into a single table, with the top 22 teams progressing to the knockout phase. They will be joined in the Round of 32 by Championship clubs, who enter as seeded sides alongside the top six from the league phase.
The remainder of the competition will follow a straight knockout format.
The SPFL believes the format continues to support player development, particularly in the transition stage between academy and senior football. Players aged 15 will remain eligible after a successful trial period, while the Scottish FA’s Cooperation System has also been extended.
SPFL group chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “We are delighted to build on the success of last season’s new-look competition by inviting 10 guest clubs to participate in next season’s tournament.
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“It will benefit the community clubs we have invited and provide new challenges for our member clubs.
“Following discussions with our members, home clubs will now retain gate receipts in full in the league phase, while we will continue to minimise travel with broadly regionalised fixtures.”
Prize money will remain at more than £1.3 million, with the winners set to receive £150,000 and the runners-up £100,000.
KDM Group will continue as title sponsor, with chief executive Iain Jones welcoming the expanded format.
He said: “Next season’s competition promises to deliver even more excitement and opportunities to clubs and players across the country, reflecting our support for Scottish football at all levels.”
The league phase gets under way on August 11/12, with fixtures to be released on July 16.
Championship clubs will enter at the Round of 32 on November 3/4, while the final is scheduled for the end of March or early April.
