A New Era: NPL 2025 Playoff Teams See Massive Turnover from Inaugural Season

Published · By Kushma Thapa

The finalization of the NPL 2025 playoff picture brings to light a startling fact: the tournament's second edition has witnessed a near-complete changing of the guard, with three of last year's four playoff teams failing to qualify.

Of the eight competing franchises, only one—the formidable Sudurpaschim Royals—has managed to maintain its spot in the knockout round, serving as the sole consistent powerhouse in the league’s brief history.

NPL Playoff Teams Comparison: 2024 vs. 2025

➡️ NPL 2024 Playoffs

  • 1st Seed: Janakpur Bolts (Eventually became the Champion)

  • 2nd Seed: Sudurpaschim Royals (Eventually became the Runner-up)

  • 3rd Seed: Chitwan Rhinos

  • 4th Seed: Karnali Yaks

➡️ NPL 2025 Playoffs

  • 1st Seed: Sudurpaschim Royals

  • Kathmandu Gorkhas, Biratnagar Kings, Lumbini Lions

>Note: 2nd, 3rd and 4th seed placement is yet to be confirmed between the Gorkhas, the Kings and the Lions due to the pending game between the Royals and the Kings.

The Story of the Great Collapse

The failure of the NPL 2024 Champion and two other qualifiers to make the cut is the defining narrative of the 2025 season:

The Fall of the Champions: Janakpur Bolts

The Janakpur Bolts, who lifted the trophy in the inaugural 2024 season, suffered a catastrophic title defense, finishing near the bottom of the table. Their star-studded lineup could not replicate the magic of last year, marking a massive upset for the defending champions.

The Great Disappointments: Chitwan and Karnali

The Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks, who participated in the 2024 Eliminator and Qualifier 2 respectively, saw their campaigns fizzle out this year. The Rhinos, in particular, suffered a critical loss to the Sudurpaschim Royals late in the season, which mathematically sealed their elimination and highlighted the intense pressure of the league stage.

The Rise of the Challengers

Taking the place of the former champions are three teams who significantly improved their performance this year:

  • Kathmandu Gorkhas: Having finished in the group stage last year, the Gorkhas have made a massive leap, securing a top-four finish in 2025 thanks to consistent wins and a strong NRR. Currently They have secured a top-two finish, however, if Kings win against Royals with a massive margin, increasing the NRR, they make take over the 2nd place.

  • Biratnagar Kings: The Kings transformed their performance from 2024, where they were eliminated early, into a top-four finish this year, earning them a crucial berth in the Eliminator. Kings depending on the result of their final group stage game, have their fate yet to be determined on which top-four place they will take.

  • Lumbini Lions: The final team to qualify, the Lions showcased immense fighting spirit to clinch the 4th spot ( they have a chance to climb to 3rd if Kings lose against royals and drop their NRR). Like the Kings and Gorkhas, their successful run is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NPL.

Sudurpaschim Royals: The League's Sole Constant

The Sudurpaschim Royals stand alone as the only team to qualify for the playoffs in both seasons. After finishing as runners-up in 2024, they have demonstrated unparalleled dominance in 2025, topping the league stage table and securing the coveted position in Qualifier 1. Their consistency marks them as the benchmark for excellence in the Nepal Premier League.

With the Royals, Gorkhas, Kings, and Lions set to battle, the NPL 2025 playoffs promise a fresh, exciting, and unpredictable path to the championship.