FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition Events and Registration Updates
This year is a very different one for FIRST® LEGO® League! For the 2026–2027 season, teams may participate in either the familiar Founders Edition or the new Future Edition, which introduces new age-based experiences, technology, and competition formats.
As teams decide which edition best fits their students, we know they are looking for more details about what Future Edition events will look like in Texas. See below for:
Frequently Asked Questions
Our first confirmed Future Edition event
Texas event pricing
What teams should expect from the limited Future Edition competition pathway this season.
Choosing Between Future Edition and Founders Edition
We know this season includes several new choices for teams. Our FLL Frequently Asked Questions addresses common questions about:
Choosing between Future Edition and Founders Edition
Event and advancement opportunities
Grade-level requirements
Equipment needs
Season pricing
Do I register for Future or Founder Edition?
The answer depends on the budget, event participation, and learning goals. You can start with this season at a glance and review the following:
I would like to participate in official FIRST Texas Events: FIRST Texas events will primarily focus on FLL-Challenge Founders Edition with each region having multiple qualifier events and advancement opportunities to regional, state, and world competitions. Click here for advancement overview.
FIRST Texas will hold only a few limited Future Edition events depending on interest. These events may be eligible for a few limited advancement spots to an invitational or championship event. Texas will not host a regional or state championship for Future Edition. However, we highly encourage school districts to host their own internal competitions as able.
Bottom line - if your team wants to experience a local qualifier event that advances to regional and state level events in Texas, FLL Founders Edition - Challenge is the best option. We are considering adding Future Edition events in areas with high interest.
What equipment do I need?: When registering, teams are often confused by the language around equipment.
FLL-Founders - Challenge: If your team has SPIKE Prime, SPIKE Essential, EV3, or MINDSTORMS, you are all set to participate in FLL-Challenge. Note that SPIKE products retired June 30, 2026 and kits may be available to purchase through an online search or using this form.
FIRST® is actively developing our own K-8 program offerings for 2027 and beyond. Following the conclusion of the FIRST® LEGO® League program in 2027, FIRST plans to maintain compatibility with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Sets (Prime and Essential) through the 2028-2029 season, providing important continuity as we launch the next generation of our K-8 offerings.
FLL-Future Edition: Teams will be required to purchase the LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI sets when going through the registration process.
To dive deeper and explore the differences in programs: A comparison of Founders and Future Edition can be found here.
For additional information on grade bands, age requirements, and other participation criteria, check out our FLL FAQs here:
Future Edition Event Pricing
The Texas event fee is $175 per team for one Future Edition Qualifier. This fee is separate from the FIRST HQ registration and equipment costs paid via FIRST Dashboard.
Teams can review the complete pricing and registration information on the FIRST LEGO League Pricing and Registration page.
Confirmed Future Edition Event
Our first Future Edition event is confirmed for:
Temple, Texas
Saturday, January 23, 2027
The event’s capacity and team registration process are still being finalized. We will share additional information as soon as it is available. Exact venue location pending.
When registering, teams will be prompted to select either Grades 3 - 5 or Grades 6 - 8. If you have a mix of grades, we recommend selecting the 6-8 grade band. Texas Future Edition competitions will be one division covering Grades 3 - 8. Registration in either grade band provides the supplies needed to compete in our single-division (Grades 3-8) event.
Additional Events and Advancement
FIRST Texas is continuing to monitor Future Edition registration numbers and may add events based on team interest and available event capacity. However teams should be aware that we expect to offer only a limited number of Future Edition events across the state.
These events may receive a small number of advancement opportunities to an invitational or championship event. However, advancement opportunities are not guaranteed, and Texas will not host a Future Edition Regional Championship or State Championship.
Because official event availability will be limited, we encourage school districts and other organizations with multiple teams to consider hosting internal competitions when possible.