Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Fri 8 May 2026 8:30, UK

West Bromwich Albion fans will be glad to have seen the back of the 2025-26 campaign, but excitement will soon start to build ahead of the new season.

A number of Albion players still have international fixtures to come, while those not representing their countries have already started jetting off on their holidays.

West Brom have already made the decision to appoint James Morrison permanently for 2026-27, with preparations no doubt already starting in earnest.

The Baggies are not set to return to the training ground for another seven weeks or so, before pre-season fixtures then take place.

It is all geared towards the first game of the new campaign, with West Brom News outlining some key dates below.

When will West Brom players return for pre-season training?

This can differ year-on-year, but it tends to be within the same two-week period.

Last season, Ryan Mason had his players at the training ground on 25 June, while a year earlier they were back the following week.

Most managers like to give their players around a month on the training ground, combined with a handful of friendlies, to get them fully up to speed.

It has not yet been confirmed when the Baggies will be back, but it is expected to be around the start of July.

The one advantage of not making the playoffs, of course, is an extra two or three weeks’ rest for the players.

When does the 2026-27 Championship season start?

This has to be factored in to the question of when Albion’s players will return, as the EFL has announced a later start date for 2026-27.

This is due to the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which is set to conclude on 19 July.

The Championship season is due to get away with a customary Friday night fixture on 14 August, which is a week later than last season.

However, the Carabao Cup has been given a weekend slot this coming season the week before, so Morrison’s men will have to be ready for that.

When will the 2026-27 Championship fixtures be released?

The start of the new season may seem a lifetime away, but the fixture release date helps act as a bridge between the two campaigns.

Albion fans have to wait until 25 June, at 12pm, to find out their fixtures for the 2026-27 campaign – although dates will of course be subject to change.

West Brom’s loss to Sheffield Wednesday last week is still fresh in the minds, as is finishing just one place above the relegation zone.

But not a single fan will not wake up excited on the morning the fixtures are released as we get the chance to do it all over again.