Changes to come for high school sports next year

June 12, 2026 - 04:01

The Florida High School Athletic Association is shaking up the competitive landscape for the 2025-2026 school year. The FHSAA Board of Directors has voted to approve a new Open Division championship classification that will apply to 11 different sports. The move is designed to create a more level playing field by separating the state's most dominant programs from the traditional classification system.

Under the new structure, schools with a proven track record of elite performance will be placed into the Open Division. This means they will compete exclusively against other top-tier teams for a separate state title, rather than dominating lower classifications. The change is expected to impact sports like football, basketball, baseball, and softball, among others. Officials say the goal is to increase competitive balance and give more schools a realistic path to a championship.

The decision comes after years of debate among athletic directors and coaches. Some have argued that a handful of powerhouse programs have made state tournaments predictable and less exciting. By creating a dedicated bracket for these teams, the FHSAA hopes to restore parity across the board. The new classification will take effect at the start of the next school year, with specific criteria for placement still being finalized. Schools that qualify for the Open Division will not be eligible to compete for traditional class titles.