FLL Global Program Announcement

Dear FIRST LEGO League Community,  

Yesterday, FIRST® and LEGO® Education announced a significant evolution in the FIRST LEGO® League program. Read the official FIRST announcement here. This update introduces new hardware, revised gameplay, updated age groupings, and a multi-year transition plan that will take place between the 2026–2029 seasons. 

FIRST in Texas was not involved in designing this new program experience. Like many of you, we are carefully reviewing the details, asking questions, and evaluating how these changes may impact our teams, coaches, educators, event delivery, and most importantly our students across Texas. 
 

What We Know Right Now 

A two-edition transition period will begin in the 2026–27 season.  These editions are referred to as: 

Founders Edition 

• The FIRST LEGO League program as it exists today 

• Continues to use LEGO® Education SPIKE™ technology 

• The final season for Founders Edition will be 2027–2028 

Future Edition 

• Launches in the 2026–2027 season 

• Powered by LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI 

• Introduces semi-cooperative gameplay and four defined team roles 

• Is not compatible with LEGO Education SPIKE™ or other legacy FIRST LEGO League hardware 

• Will be organized into two age groups: ages 5–7 and ages 8–14 (U.S.) 

For the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 seasons, teams may participate in either Founders Edition or Future Edition events. During this period, teams may have opportunities to advance to either the FIRST® Championship World Festival or an Open Invitational event. 

Following the 2027–2028 season, FIRST plans to retire the current FIRST LEGO League division names (Discover, Explore, and Challenge) in favor of a more unified structure focused on age and skill. By the 2028–2029 season, the Founders Edition will retire, and the “Edition” naming will be phased out as FIRST LEGO League moves forward as a single, cohesive program. 
 

Our Focus in Texas 

FIRST in Texas is one of the largest and most diverse FIRST LEGO League communities in the world. As we navigate this transition, our priorities are to: 

• Understand the full impact on teams, schools, community organizations, and volunteers. 

• Maintain access and affordability for students across the state.  

• Continue delivering a high-quality program that creates meaningful, positive experiences for students 
   

What Happens Next 

Over the coming months, FIRST in Texas will: 

• Continue gathering information directly from FIRST and LEGO Education. 

• Host community town halls and listening sessions to hear your questions, concerns, and comments about the transition. 

• Work with our Advisory Council and school partners to develop a Texas-specific transition strategy that prioritizes student impact and program quality. 

We will share additional details about town halls and feedback opportunities soon. In the meantime, we encourage you to review the official FIRST announcement, begin noting questions you would like addressed, or submit your initial thoughts through our feedback form at https://firstintexas.org/General_feedback_form. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to inspiring young people through FIRST LEGO League. We are committed to navigating this change with transparency, collaboration, and the best interests of Texas students at the center.