Wray & Nephew JPL expands to 14 teams, returns to three-round format for 2024-2025 season; reigning champions Cavalier SC to open against Tivoli Gardens
Dunbeholden’s Shakeen Powell (L), Fabian McCarthy (R) met up with Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, Brand Manager Kerry Ann Bryan
The Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) is set to return into three-round format for the first time since the 2018-2019 season. This announcement was made at the launch of the 2024-2025 season on Tuesday night.
Since the onset of COVID-19, the JPL had been operating with a reduced two-round format. However, with the league now expanded to 14 teams, up from 12 two years ago, and the return to three rounds, each team will play a total of 39 regular season games—an unprecedented figure in Jamaica.
The season kicks off on Sunday, September 15, with five matches scheduled, followed by two more on Monday to complete the first match day.
L-R: Businessman, Scott Dunn, dancehall entertainer LaaLee during the season launch
Last year, Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum returned as title sponsor of the league, with Managing Director Daniel Caron reaffirming the company's commitment to Jamaica and football. “For years Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum has been committed to social development through partnerships with organizations 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 5-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 to all involved in the sport.
"The PFJL’s aim is to elevate the beautiful game to new heights while creating unforgettable experiences for players, fans and communities".
“As we step forward into our second season with the JPL or shared goal is to ensure that each player has the opportunity to excel and for the league to become recognized as a viable career path for players, coaches and administrators.”
CEO of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), Owen Hill, spoke of the ambitions of his organization to grow the JPL to new a heady, heights.
“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.”
The five matches to be played on Sunday are Tivoli Gardens hosting the reigning champions Cavalier SC, Arnett Gardens meeting 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.
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