AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) and the TIO Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) are pleased to unveil the 2026/27 TIO NTFL Premier League fixture, marking another exciting chapter for Territory football.
Following the elevation of Banks Bulldogs to both the Men's and Women's Premier League competitions from the 2026/27 season, the league will feature 10 Premier League clubs for the first time. Each round will include five Women's Premier League (WPL) fixtures and five Men's Premier League (MPL) fixtures across an expanded competition.
The expansion of the premier league competition will see an 18-round home-and-away season, with every club meeting twice before the race for premiership glory begins.
The 2026/27 season will officially commence on Friday, 2 October, with a blockbuster opening night featuring Nightcliff Tigers and St Mary’s in the Women's Premier League at 6pm.
The action will then continue under lights with a rematch of the 2025/26 TIO NTFL Men's Premier League Grand Final rematch between the Tigers and Saints at 8pm, setting the stage for another exciting season of Territory football.
A full day of football will follow on Saturday, 3 October. At TIO Stadium, Palmerston Magpies and Tiwi Bombers will launch their campaigns, with the Women's Premier League clash at 3pm followed by the Men's Premier League match at 5pm.
Nearby on TIO Oval 2, Southern Districts and Waratah will renew their long-standing rivalry, with the women's match beginning at 5pm before the men's contest under lights at 7.30pm on TIO Stadium.
Cazalys Arena will also play host to opening-round action, with Darwin Buffaloes hosting Wanderers in Women's and Men's Premier League fixtures at 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
Then on Sunday 4 October, Gardens Oval will host a landmark moment for Territory football as Banks Bulldogs make their long-awaited Premier League debut. The Bulldogs will reignite their fierce rivalry with PINT in a highly anticipated opening-round clash, beginning with the Men's Premier League Reserves at 2pm.
The Men's Premier League fixture will follow at 4pm before the Women's Premier League match rounds out an unforgettable opening weekend under lights at 6.30pm.
One of the marquee fixtures of the home-and-away season will take place in Round 9, when reigning premiers PINT and Nightcliff Tigers square off in a Grand Final rematch at DXC Arena on Saturday, 28 November.
The match will be the first meeting between the two sides since last season's decider ended in a two-point thriller and promises to be one of the biggest clashes of the home-and-away season.
Fans can also look forward to some of the Territory's most celebrated rivalry matches throughout the season, including the Maurice Rioli Cup between Waratah and the Tiwi Bombers, T for Thomas and the Battle of the Beaches, the Nungalinya Cup, and the Foundation Cup.
Football will once again return to Wurrumiyanga, with the Tiwi Bombers hosting Banks Bulldogs in Round 5, PINT in Round 6 and Southern Districts in Round 8, bringing Premier League action back to one of the game's most passionate communities.
Beyond the on-field action, the 2026/27 TIO NTFL season will once again shine a spotlight on a number of important community initiatives through its themed rounds, celebrating the partnerships and programs that help strengthen football and communities across the Northern Territory.
The Men's Premier League Reserves competition will continue under its current nine-team format, with four matches scheduled each week and one club receiving a bye.
Community Football Manager, Leigh Elder said the 2026/27 fixture reflected the continued growth and strength of football across the Territory.
"This season represents an exciting new chapter for Territory football. Welcoming Banks Bulldogs into the Premier League is a significant milestone, and the fixture reflects the continued growth of our game across the Northern Territory," Elder said.
"From traditional rivalries and marquee matchups to football in regional communities and themed rounds that celebrate the values and partnerships that strengthen our game, there's something for every supporter across the season."
"We're looking forward to another outstanding season that showcases the passion, talent and unique spirit of Territory football."
The fixture has been developed through consultation with Premier League clubs, ensuring the 2026/27 season reflects the needs of players, clubs and supporters while balancing competition requirements and community considerations.
The complete 2026/27 TIO NTFL Premier League fixture is now live on PlayHQ, with fixtures for all remaining senior and junior competitions to be released in the coming weeks.