The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced that the number of licensed clubs in professional leagues has risen to 40 for the 2026-2027 season, up from 29. The increase follows two rounds of licensing decisions by the TFF Club Licensing Board.
On June 22, 2026, the Board granted National Licenses to eight clubs: Amed Sportif Faaliyetler, Kasımpaşa A.Ş., Ankara Keçiörengücü, Bodrum Futbol Kulübü, Aliağa Futbol A.Ş., Muş Spor Kulübü, Altınordu, and Ankara Demirspor. Later, after these clubs completed their deficiencies, the Board granted national licenses to 11 additional clubs, including Gaziantep FK, Ümraniyespor, Esenler Erokspor, Mardin 1969 Spor, Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük, Muğlaspor, SMS Grup Sarıyer, Adana 01 FK, Kahramanmaraş İstiklalspor, Karacabey Belediyespor, and Kırklarelispor.
The Board evaluated applications from the top three leagues — Trendyol Süper Lig, Trendyol 1. Lig, and Nesine 2. Lig — based on sporting, infrastructure, personnel-administrative, legal, and financial criteria.
The TFF also imposed point deduction penalties on Vanspor FK, İskenderunspor, and GMG Kastamonuspor for failing to complete their deficiencies. These clubs were not granted licenses.
The TFF announced that its Board of Directors added Temporary Article 34 to the Club Licensing and Financial Sustainability Instruction during a meeting on July 30, 2026. This came after the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance published a Collection General Communiqué on June 16, 2026, providing restructuring opportunities for the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK) and tax debts.
Due to legal regulations, remaining clubs were given an extension until September 30, 2026, to resolve their financial criteria deficiencies.
