Change the name and format of the MX Famine League 2026

According toSports.

Background

The BBVA Famine League, which was launched in 2017 as the MX Famine League, now has a new identity after nine years. With the restructuring of the league, each team will be able to play against all teams in its group, enhancing the chances of competition and increasing the importance of each result in determining the teams that qualify for the final stage.

Why is this important?

Changing the name of the MX Famine League to the BBVA Famine League represents an important step towards strengthening the identity of the women's league in Mexico. This transformation reflects the league's commitment to developing women's football and aims to improve the experience for players and fans alike. The new formula may also enhance the clubs' competitiveness and increase the excitement of the matches.

Key points

• Change the name and format of the MX Famine League 2026.
• The MX Famine League adopts a new name, the BBVA Famine League, and changes its format for the 2026 season, introducing two groups of nine teams and a 14-game regular season.
• Liga MX Femenil has a new name and format for 2026 — here’s what changed - Yahoo Sports.

When the MX Famine League begins its season in the new edition under the name BBVA Famine League, it will also see a change in the visual identity and competition format. This league, which is one of the most prominent women's soccer leagues in Mexico, will move away from the traditional structure it has adopted in recent years, as it relied on one schedule.

With the start of the first round of the Apertura 2026 season on July 31, the eighteen clubs will be divided into two groups of nine teams. Each team will play 14 matches during the regular season instead of 17, with the top four teams from each group qualifying for the eight-team playoffs to determine the tournament champion.

The league management says these changes are aimed at reducing the workload of female players and eliminating double match weeks. However, shorter scheduling may also affect travel costs, the balance of competition, and the importance of each outcome.

The history of the tournament dates back to 2017 when it was launched under the name Famine MX League, as it was considered part of the broader MX League brand. The transformation into the Famine League gives the tournament a distinct identity nine years after its original name.

Not only has the name changed, but a new logo and official anthem have also been unveiled, while Voit will return as the ball supplier for matches.

The new format replaces the traditional 17-match league schedule with a new system that includes two groups of nine teams. The groups are formed based on geographic location and an Elo rating based on each team's regular season performance since Apertura 2020. The rankings will continue to be updated after each round.

During the Apertura 2026 season, each club will play all eight teams in its group, plus six teams from the other group — two from each group. This creates a 14-game regular season, leaving three potential non-group opponents off each club's schedule.

The same groups will continue into the Clausura 2027 season, with the home sites reversed for matches between teams in the same group. Each team will also play the three teams it skipped during the Apertura, as well as three repeat opponents. This structure ensures that each club will face the rest of the seventeen teams at least once during the 2026/27 season.

There will be separate classifications for Groups A and B, with the top four clubs from each group qualifying for the qualifying stage. The quarter-final draw will take place between the top teams from each group with the fourth teams from the other group, as well as the second teams with the third teams. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will remain as round-robin rounds decided by the sum of goals. If the quarter-final or semi-final match ends in a draw, the team ranked higher in the league will qualify. While the final will go to penalty kicks in the event of a tie.

According to the announcement from league sponsor BBVA, officials said the change aims to reduce players' workload and travel, eliminate double-match weeks, and open up more opportunities for international competition. In the previous schedule, teams would sometimes play twice in one week, leaving less time for recovery and preparation between games.

The change also has commercial justifications, with officials saying the old schedule reduced the commercial value of each match. Fewer games could reduce travel and game day expenses, while giving the league and its broadcast partners more opportunities to promote each matchup.

The real challenge will be whether the new structure will reduce the pressure on female players while providing a competitive and attractive season for fans.

What's next?

With the 2026 Apertura season starting on July 31, clubs will have to adapt to a new format that includes two groups of nine teams. Teams will have to focus on performing well in limited matches to ensure qualification for the playoffs, making each match even more important. Fans are looking forward to seeing how these changes will impact the level of competition in the BBVA Famine League.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the Famine MX League?

The league's name was changed to the BBVA Fameni League, with a change in the visual identity and competition format.

Who confirmed the changes in the league?

The league administration has confirmed the new changes to the Famine MX League.

Why were these changes implemented now?

The changes aim to reduce the workload on female players and eliminate double match weeks.

What changes have occurred in the competition format?

The traditional 17-game schedule has been replaced by a new system that includes two groups of nine teams, with each team playing 14 matches.

When will the new BBVA Famine League season start?

The 2026 Apertura season will start on July 31.

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