KDM Evolution Trophy and Fixture Reveal

League Phase Fixtures confirmed for 30 teams

The SPFL and KDM Group have today unveiled the new KDM Evolution Trophy as fixtures for the league phase of the revamped Challenge Cup competition were launched at Hampden.

KDM EVOLUTION TROPHY 2025/26 LEAGUE PHASE FIXTURE LIST IN FULL

The bespoke silverware was created by famous designers, Thomas Lyte, who commissioned other major trophies including Guiness Six Nations, Emirates FA Cup, Scottish Gas Women’s Scottish Cup, Lions Series Trophy, the Ryder Cup and most recently the new SWPL trophies.

Its unveiling comes as the SPFL today announced fixtures for the KDM Evolution Trophy’s opening-round league phase, which kicks off on Tuesday August 12.

A total of 90 games will be played over six matchdays across the league phase, which comprises 10 William Hill League 1 clubs, 10 William Hill League 2 clubs, and 10 William Hill Premiership B-teams. The 22 highest-placed clubs will then be joined by the 10 William Hill Championship clubs for the start of the knock-out stages.

An estimated £1.25 million in prize money will be shared with clubs competing in the 2025/26 KDM Evolution Trophy – an increase of more than 50% on last year’s competition. Clubs progressing from the league phase are guaranteed at least £30,000 while the winners will receive £150,000 and the runners-up will receive £100,000.

Competition format changes were confirmed earlier this year alongside a new Scottish FA Cooperation System, which is designed to strengthen youth development in the Scottish game.

The new set-up will continue to include William Hill Premiership B teams in support of the Scottish FA’s aim to provide more opportunities for players in the key ‘transition phase’ of ages 16-21, as they move from the academy environment to senior football.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL group chief executive, said: “It’s great to be able to unveil our new KDM Evolution Trophy this afternoon as we launch this season’s league phase fixtures.

“We felt it was important to have a new trophy produced to mark a new era for the competition and we’re extremely pleased with the final result.

“We’d like to send the very best of luck to all clubs competing in this season’s competition and look forward to it kicking off in the coming weeks.”

Iain Jones, KDM group chief executive, said: “It is an exciting moment to unveil the new KDM Evolution Trophy alongside the fixtures for the new league phase. The competition is embarking on a bold and innovative future, and so we were delighted to collaborate with the SPFL on a new trophy design which represents that.

“Our partnership with the KDM Evolution Trophy is an example of our support for Scottish football across all levels of the game, which also includes our KDM Group Soccer Centres for primary-aged school children. We cannot wait for the league phase matches to start and wish all the participating clubs every success as they strive to be the first to lift this new trophy come the final next Spring.”

KDM Evolution Trophy dates 2025/26

League phase

MD1: Midweek of August 12/13, 2025

MD2: Midweek of August 26/27, 2025

MD3: Weekend of September 6/7, 2025

MD4: Midweek of September 23/24, 2025

MD5: Weekend of October 11/12, 2025

MD6: Tuesday November 11, 2025

Round of 32

Midweek of December 9/10, 2025

Round of 16

Midweek of January 6/7, 2026