User:Jslleagues2006/sandbox/JSL Premier League

The JSL Premier League is the top level of the JSL soccer league system. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the JSL Championship. Seasons run from March to November with each team playing 30 matches (playing all 15 other teams both home and away). Most games are played on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Origins
Despite the success of the JSL Cup and interest throughout Ninjago and the Berry Republic, the JSL lacked a real form of organization and structure. The JSL and CSA were forced with interest from the MLS and several teams threatening to join other leagues should the JSL decide to not feature a league format.

The JSL stepped closer to a league with the introduction of the JSL Champions League in 2014, an invitational tournament that featured a group stage, then knockout rounds. With the success of this, the CSA decided that it would be best to have a league with a growing market and appetite for soccer in Ninjago and Berry Republic.

Foundation
The CSA announced in late 2015 that its new flagship league system, the JSL, would start a two-tiered league system in 2016. The league came to great approval from teams and supporters alike. The inaugural JSL season started with 16 teams, 8 in the Premier League, and 8 in the Championship. Both leagues increased by 2 teams every year and it set to finish expanding at 20 in 2021.

"Top Four" dominance
One significant feature of the JSL Premier League is the dominance of the so-called "Top Four" clubs: Berry Bitty City, Danville, Hoth and Lego City. These teams usually dominate the top four spots, which comes with CSA Champions League qualification.

Competition
There are 16 clubs in the Premier League. During the course of a season (from April to November) each club plays the others twice (a double round-robin system), once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents, for 30 games. Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Teams are ranked by total points, then goal difference, and then goals scored.

Promotion and relegation
A system of promotion and relegation exists between the Premier League and the JSL Championship. The three lowest placed teams in the Premier League are relegated to the Championship, and the top two teams from the Championship promoted to the Premier League. The Premier League had 8 teams when it began in 2016, but the present 16-team format was introduced in 2020.

2020 season
The following 20 clubs will compete in the JSL Premier League during the 2020 season.


 * Astor City and Bricksburg were relegated to the JSL Championship for the 2020 season, while Astor North and Lego City FC were promoted from the 2019 season

Qualification criteria for 2021
The top four teams in the Premier League qualify for the subsequent season's UEFA Champions League group stage.

The fifth and sixth placed teams in the JSL Premier League, as well as the winner of the JSL Cup, qualifies for the subsequent season's CSA Champions League second qualifying round. The seventh placed team qualifies for the first qualifying round, and the eighth placed team qualifies for the CSA Super League.

Sponsorship
The JSL Premier League has never had title sponsorship rights, however there has been an official league sponsor since 2016