Fantasy Non-League 2026-27 Season and Rule Changes

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 2, 2026

The Fantasy Non-League competition for the 2026-27 season will launch with a £5 entry fee and significant rule changes, including a return to selecting 30 fixed teams across three league sections and removing substitutions. These updates, along with new scoring features like “joker” teams and expanded prize money, aim to enhance strategic play and encourage early sign-ups before the August 31 deadline.

The Fantasy Non-League (FNL) competition for the 2026-27 season is set to launch with a series of rule changes and a £5 entry fee, marking the game's 30th anniversary since its inception in the 1996-97 season. Participants have until midnight on Monday, August 31, to enter, with an early entry bonus available to those who submit their teams before 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 8.

Organizers have emphasized the importance of carefully reviewing the updated rules, which include two significant adjustments from previous seasons. Firstly, the structure for team selection has reverted to a format used in earlier years, requiring competitors to pick one team from each of three sections within the ten leagues involved. This means each entrant will select a total of 30 teams across the leagues. Secondly, substitutions have been eliminated, meaning teams chosen at the start of the season will remain fixed through its duration, barring exceptional circumstances such as a club folding.

The competition covers clubs competing in the following leagues and cup competitions: National League (FA Cup and FA Trophy), National League North and South (FA Cup and FA Trophy), Northern Premier (FA Cup and FA Trophy), Isthmian Premier (FA Cup, FA Trophy, and League Cup), Southern Premier Central and South (FA Cup and FA Trophy), and the Mixture Leagues (FA Cup, FA Trophy, and League Cup). Notably, the National League Cup is excluded from this year's contest.

Points are awarded based on team performance in league and cup matches, with added bonuses for league positions, monthly standings, and cup progress. League game results yield points for wins, draws, and losses, with additional points awarded for goals scored, clean sheets, and high-scoring matches. Reaching various stages in cup competitions also grants bonus points, including 25 points for advancing to the FA Cup first round proper and subsequent rounds, and for reaching quarter-finals in other cup tournaments.

Further incentives include monthly awards for top and bottom teams in each league, plus Manager of the Month accolades based on team performance. Play-off matches are treated as regular league games for points, with final winners receiving 150 points, and runners-up 50 points at season’s end.

A notable feature of the competition is the use of “joker” teams, where players select five from their chosen 30 teams to earn double points throughout the season, and a super joker team from among these to earn triple points. These multipliers apply to all match and bonus points, potentially having a significant impact on final standings.

Prize money is available for the top three finishers as well as the bottom-placed team, with the overall champion awarded £700, second place £350, third place £125, and bottom prize also £350. Monthly prizes are also on offer, recognizing both high and low performers.

The competition’s organizers encourage participants to consider entering multiple teams, including one aiming to finish at the bottom, highlighting the challenge and appeal of this contest feature.

For questions or assistance, competitors can contact the FNL helpdesk via email or phone. The deadline for entry remains August 31, with early entrants gaining a valuable bonus that has proven to be a decisive factor in past seasons.

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