In May this year, the SPFL announced a controversial change.
They confirmed a total revamp for the Scottish Challenge Cup, otherwise known as the KDM Evolution Trophy for sponsorship reasons.
It sees the introduction of a league phase format followed by knockout rounds, with the league phase regionalised into north and south sections.
It’s a similar format to the Champions League, which saw the Celtic first-team qualify out of the league phase and into the knockout phase play-offs last season.
The SPFL conducted the draw on Friday for the league phase and Celtic B, managed by Stephen McManus, have discovered their six opponents.
Celtic B’s KDM Evolution Trophy opponents
All of Celtic B’s fixtures in the league phase will be played away from home, which is the rule for all B sides competing in the tournament.
They will play Clyde, Kelty Hearts, Alloa Athletic, Edinburgh City, East Fife and East Kilbride. All dates for the games are yet to be confirmed by the SPFL.
Matchday one for Celtic B will be on August 12 or 13, while the final matchday is scheduled for November 11.
Celtic B lost to East Kilbride in the first round of the SPFL Trust Trophy last season as Mick Kennedy’s side secured a 3-0 win.
KDM Evolution Trophy prize money
The SPFL issued a statement on Friday regarding the league phase draw and confirmed what prize money is on offer this season.
They stated: “An estimated £1.25 million in prize money will be shared with clubs competing in the 2025/26 KDM Evolution Trophy – an increase of more than 50% on last year’s competition.
“Clubs progressing from the league phase are guaranteed at least £30,000 while the winners will receive £150,000 and the runners-up will receive £100,000.”
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