Following the Sports Landscape Review that took place in 2023-24, which was then followed by the implementation of the New Sports Framework (NSF) and the annual event review process in 2025-26, all of which have enabled us to adapt and improve parts of our competition offer. We have identified in collaboration with our members that it is the right time to consider change and developments to our league and knockout programme. Please find the detail below of what this will involve and how you can engage in the process.
Purpose
The League and Knockout Evolution 2026 (L&KE) is to ensure we successfully deliver on our 2030 strategy of providing exceptional sporting experiences to students, and ensure the BUCS programme meets the needs of the current and next generation of students and to continue to diversify our offer to enable further opportunity for a more diverse range of students. It should support you as members and your students in mitigating against some of your current and future challenges including financial, environmental sustainability and ever-changing student behaviours. Please refer to this paper for more detailed information on the project including the background, timeline, principles and aspirations.
League and Knockout Evolution 2026 - Modelling
This link takes you to a paper that details the initial proposed modelling that we would like you to read, digest and feedback on. Please remember that this is a point to start from, a framework to initiate discussion and it is not an exhaustive list of all possible approaches. Please consider the modelling in advance of attending a roadshow or webinar and bring your ideas, thoughts, challenges, suggestions as well as any associated risks and potential impacts to engage in discussion. The roadshows will be delivered in a format for us to listen and to probe, to ensure that we capture all your input.
How to engage
We are now inviting members to engage in this consultation and represent the view of both their university and the wider higher education sports sector (with a real focus on the future of university sport for all students).
There will be an online webinar on Thursday 4 June at 10am-12pm for those that couldn't attend the in-person roadshows in May. Please register here to attend this.
