LEICESTER will launch their 2026 campaign with an Easter Monday double against Belle Vue as they look to defend the Premiership Knockout Cup.
The Watling JCB Lions will travel to the National Speedway Stadium on Monday April 6 for a midday start, before hosting the Aces – complete with their star spearhead of Brady Kurtz and Dan Bewley – at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park at 7.30pm.
The KO Cup operates on a different format this season, with the six Premiership clubs split into two mini-leagues of three.
Along with the Lions and Belle Vue, the Northern section is completed by Sheffield, who visit the Hydroscand Arena on Thursday April 23, and only the group winners progress to the Final.
League action gets underway on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4, and this will be another special occasion as the Lions host newcomers Northampton, who were confirmed as the Premiership’s sixth team this week.
The Lions’ first trip to Brafield comes up on Thursday May 21, whilst the month of May also brings a reunion with former skipper Max Fricke.
The Australian will be back in town with his new side King’s Lynn on Thursday May 14, whilst the first clash between the Lions and last season’s Grand Final opponents Ipswich is on Thursday June 11.
With Northampton bringing the league membership up to six clubs, it has also been confirmed that the play-offs will once again feature the top four reaching the semi-finals.
LEICESTER LIONS FIXTURES 2026
APRIL
Mon 6 Belle Vue A KOC 12pm
Mon 6 Belle Vue H KOC
Thu 16 Sheffield A KOC
Thu 23 Sheffield H KOC
MAY
Mon 4 Northampton H Prem R1
Thu 14 King’s Lynn H Prem R1
Thu 21 Northampton A Prem R1
Thu 28 Sheffield H Prem R1
JUNE
Mon 1 King’s Lynn A Prem R1
Thu 11 Ipswich H Prem R1
Mon 15 Belle Vue A Prem R1
Mon 22 King’s Lynn A Prem R2
Thu 25 Sheffield A Prem R1
JULY
Thu 2 Northampton H Prem R2
Thu 9 Ipswich A Prem R1
Thu 16 King’s Lynn H Prem R2
Thu 23 Belle Vue H Prem R1
AUGUST
Mon 3 Belle Vue A Prem R2
Thu 6 Sheffield A Prem R2
Thu 13 Sheffield H Prem R2
Mon 17 Northampton A Prem R2
Thu 20 Ipswich A Prem R2
Thu 27 Belle Vue H Prem R2
Mon 31 Ipswich H Prem R2
