Fans of the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League can expect an expanded competition with many more matches this season as the league reverts to a three-round format for the first time since the 2018-2019 season.

This was announced at the launch of the 2024-2025 season at 23 Dominica Drive on Tuesday night.

Since COVID-19, the JPL season has been reduced to two rounds instead of the usual three rounds. With the league being expanded to 14 teams, up from twelve two years ago, and the return to three rounds now, teams will play 39 regular season games — an unprecedented number in Jamaica. 

The league will get going this Sunday, September 15, with the playing of five matches, and two games on Monday to complete match day one of the JPL. 

Last year, Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum returned as title sponsors of the league for the second time and the new Managing Director Daniel Caron spoke of the company’s commitment to Jamaica and the sport of football. 

“For years Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum has been committed to social development through partnerships with organisations that focus on sustainable initiatives. Our partnership with the Jamaica Premier League stands as a testament to this commitment.

“Since we began this journey together in 2002 with an initial five-year partnership, we have witnessed the league’s remarkable growth. Last year we re-entered the football scene in Jamaica as title sponsors of the JPL with a three-year agreement. As we celebrate the success of last season, we are deeply appreciative of the unwavering support and look forward to even more impactful 2024-2024 season,” he said. 

Caron is committed to ensuring the viability of the league, which will create viable job opportunities for all involved in the sport. 

“As we step forward into our second season with the JPL, our shared goal is to ensure that each player has the opportunity to excel and for the league to become recognised as a viable career path for players, coaches and administrators.”

CEO of Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) Owen Hill spoke of the ambitions of his organisation to grow the JPL. 

“The Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League is built on three core principles: passion, innovation and fan engagement. Therefore, the PFJL’s aim is to elevate the beautiful game to new heights while creating unforgettable experiences for players, fans and communities. Our vision is simple, but it is ambitious. It is to create the most competitive, entertaining and socially responsible football league in the world.”

General Secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation Dennis Chung believes that the future of Jamaica’s football is bright, largely in part due to the work that is being done to ensure long-term success. 

“I want to commend the clubs and the players. The clubs have been doing very well in the Caribbean Club Championship. The future is bright. This is a tribute not only to the work that is being done by the organization of the JPL, but certainly through the inner workings of the football in Jamaica. 

“No doubt the JPL has also been enhanced by the work being done by coaching and development programme and Wray & Nephew has come on and enhanced that. So, we expect much greater success at the current level at the JPL and for the future players who are coming on.”

Cavalier Football Club are the reigning champions of the JPL. 

The five matches to be played on Sunday are Tivoli Gardens v Cavalier SC and Arnett Gardens v Dunbeholden FC at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, Vere United v Montego Bay United, Humble Lion v Molynes United and Portmore United v Mount Pleasant.

On Monday, Harbour View will play the returning Chapelton Maroons while Waterhouse will face first-timers Racing United.