Jamaica Premier League
The Jamaica Premier League (JPL) is the top professional football league in Jamaica.
Founded in 1973, it features some of the Caribbean’s most historic and competitive clubs, including
Arnett Gardens, Harbour View, Waterhouse, and Tivoli Gardens.
History and facts
The Jamaica Premier League was established in 1973 to unify the island’s top clubs into a national competition. Over the last five decades, the league has grown to become one of the strongest football competitions in the Caribbean.
The JPL is known for producing top Jamaican talent who later shine in MLS, Europe, and the national team — the famous Reggae Boyz.
Jamaican clubs also compete in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup and can qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
League system
The Jamaica Premier League is the top tier of the national football structure.
The lowest-performing club is relegated to the Jamaica National Tier II, the country’s second division.
Table 1. Jamaican football structure
| League | Tier |
|---|---|
| Jamaica Premier League | 1 |
| National Tier II | 2 |
| Regional Super Leagues | 3 |
Below Tier II are parish-based and regional competitions.
Stats
Teams with most titles
Table 2. Jamaica Premier League champions by titles
| Club | Titles |
|---|---|
| Arnett Gardens | 5 |
| Harbour View | 4 |
| Tivoli Gardens | 4 |
| Waterhouse | 2 |
| Portmore United | 7 (including Pro League era) |
Portmore United has been one of the most successful clubs when including titles from previous league formats.
Teams with most league participation
Table 3. Clubs with most JPL seasons
| Club | Seasons |
|---|---|
| Arnett Gardens | 45+ |
| Harbour View | 35+ |
| Tivoli Gardens | 35+ |
| Waterhouse | 30+ |
| Molynes United | 10+ |
Arnett Gardens is the most consistent participant in Jamaica’s top-flight history.
Audience
Stadium capacities
Table 4. Major stadiums in Jamaica
| Team | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Arnett Gardens | Tony Spaulding Sports Complex | 7,000 |
| Harbour View | Harbour View Stadium | 7,000 |
| Tivoli Gardens | Edward Seaga Stadium | 6,000 |
| Waterhouse | Dreketts Oval | 5,000 |
| Mount Pleasant FA | Mount Pleasant Academy Stadium | 3,000 |
Players
Famous Jamaican players
- Ricardo "Bibi" Gardner
- Theodore Whitmore
- Onandi Lowe
- Jermaine Hue
- Deon Burton
- Leon Bailey (youth career in Jamaica)
Jamaica Premier League timeline
1973
The National Premier League (now JPL) is founded.
1998
Jamaica qualifies for the FIFA World Cup, boosting local football.
2020
COVID-19 temporarily halts the league.
2021
The league is rebranded as the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica_Premier_League
https://www.premierleaguejamaica.com
https://www.rsssf.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica_Premier_League
https://www.premierleaguejamaica.com
https://www.rsssf.org
