Coventry City returned to the Premier League after 25 years for the 2026–27 opening weekend.
Their comeback was the longest absence among the season’s returning former Premier League clubs. Coventry had last appeared in the Premier League before beginning a lengthy period outside the division, making promotion a major milestone for the club.
Coventry opened the new campaign away to defending champions Arsenal on 21 August 2026. That assignment immediately placed their return in one of the highest-profile fixtures of the opening round.
The other promoted clubs had shorter gaps: Ipswich Town returned after one year and Hull City after nine. Coventry’s 25-year interval was therefore the distinctive historical fact attached to the promoted teams.