Seasons Spent in the Top Flight of English Football by Clubs from 1888-89 to 2025-26
Table showing the Total Number of Seasons Clubs played in the Top Flight of English football from 1888-89 to 2025-26. Includes a table of Consecutive number of Seasons in the Top Flight Football for the 20 current Premier League clubs. The Clubs that spent the longest time in the English Top Flight are Everton – 123, Aston Villa – 112, Liverpool – 111 and Arsenal – 109. The longest serving teams in the Premier League are Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, all of which have been in the Premier League since its inaugural 1992-93 season. These teams are in the Premier League since its first Season in 1992-93.
Seasons in English Top Flight 1888-89 to 2025-26 (127 Seasons)
Consecutive Seasons in Top Flight for Current Season’s Premier League Clubs
*Arsenal were “elected” to the Top Flight in season 1919-20.
They remain the only club since the formation of the Football League in 1888-89 who never earned their place on merit.
BOLD = Premier League club season 2025-26
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Seasons In Top Flight
Here’s a handy list of FAQs to help you navigate the thrilling history of the Seasons In Top Flight. We’ve pulled together the most common queries from footy fans, covering lists of English football clubs by how many seasons they’ve played in the top division from 1888-89 to 2025-26, plus consecutive seasons data for current Premier League teams.
What does “Top Flight” refer to in English football?
It refers to the highest division in English league football — historically the First Division and, since 1992-93, the Premier League.
Which club has spent the most seasons in the top flight of English football?
Everton holds the record with 122 seasons in the top division.
What other clubs have the most top-flight seasons?
After Everton, the next longest are Aston Villa (111), Liverpool (110), and Arsenal (108).
How many total seasons of top-flight football are covered on the page?
The data covers 127 seasons from 1888-89 up to 2025-26.
Which current Premier League clubs have been in the top flight since the Premier League began?
Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur have been in the Premier League every season since 1992-93.
Who has the longest continuous current top-flight run?
Arsenal have the longest continuous spell (since 1919-20), followed by Everton and Liverpool.
Which club has the longest current continuous spell in the Premier League?
Arsenal have the longest current consecutive top-flight run, ahead of Everton and Liverpool.
Have any clubs never earned top-flight status on merit?
Yes — Arsenal were elected to the top flight in 1919-20 and have never been promoted on merit from a lower division.
Are there clubs with only one season in the top flight?
Yes — several clubs (like Glossop, Carlisle United, Swindon Town, Northampton Town, Leyton Orient, and Barnsley) have only had one top-flight season.
How is the top-flight participation data organised on the page?
The page lists all clubs by total top-flight seasons, and separately shows consecutive seasons in the top flight for the current season’s Premier League clubs.
