Oxford United: Key dates for 2025/26 League One season

Matt Bloomfield’s side will compete in the third tier after a two-year stint in the Championship which saw the U’s relegated in 22nd place last season.

One key date has already passed as pre-season approaches, with the summer transfer window having opened on Monday.

United are yet to make any signings, but did see 10 players depart the club last month after their contracts expired.

The full set of fixtures for the 2026/27 campaign are set to be announced next week on Thursday, June 25.

This includes the Championship, League One and League Two as well the Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy, both of which the Yellows will be competing in.

Oxford United right back Sam Long (Image: Jason Dawson)

The club has confirmed that players will report back at the ‘end of June’ with the squad then travelling to Spain for a week-long warm-weather training camp.

Upon their return from the camp, the U’s will face National League side Aldershot Town in their first friendly fixture on July 21 before a second match four days later against League Two outfit Barnet on July 25, both away from home.

July 28 sees Oxford host Crawley Town before the welcoming of Premier League club Ipswich Town to the Kassam on August 1.

Oxford United head coach Matt Bloomfield (Image: Jason Dawson)

Competitive action commences the following weekend with the first round of the Carabao Cup over August 8 and 9.

The weekend after will be the long-awaited start of the league season, with August 14 to 16 seeing the action.

The FA Cup first round proper, in which third and fourth tier sides enter, is set for November 7.

The summer transfer window will close at 11PM on September 1, with the winter window running for its usual month from January 1 to 11PM on February 1.

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Oxford United left back Jack Currie (Image: Jason Dawson)

Full list of key dates –

Monday, June 15 – summer transfer window opens

Thursday, June 25 – EFL, Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy fixture release

Thursday, July 2 – TV coverage announced until end of September

Tuesday, July 21 – Aldershot Town (A)

Saturday, July 25 – Barnet (A)

Tuesday, July 28 – Crawley Town (H)

Friday, July 31 – TV coverage announced until January 11

Saturday, August 1 – Ipswich Town (H)

Weekend of August 8 & 9 – Carabao Cup first round

Matt Bloomfield and Mike Dodds celebrate Oxford United win (Image: Jason Dawson)

Weekend August 14, 15 & 16 – Championship, League One, League Two opening fixtures

Tuesday, September 1 (11PM) – summer transfer window closes

Saturday, November 7 – FA Cup first round proper (League One teams enter the competition)

Friday, January 1 – winter transfer window opens

Monday, February 1 (11PM) – winter transfer window closes