The 2018-19 Premier League 2 is the third year of the new top tier of the Professional Development League. It was rebranded from the previous Under-21 Premier League in 2016, with the age range changed from Under-21 to Under-23. Clubs are also still permitted to field three 'over-age' outfield players and one 'over-age' goalkeeper. The match calendar is set to be fixed at the start of the season with no movement to match rounds permitted; clubs will only be permitted flexibility regarding on which weekend day (Friday to Monday) the game will be played.
The league remains split into two, with both Blackburn Rovers and Brighton & Hove Albion promoted to the top division, Rovers as Division 2 champions and the Seagulls as playoff winners. They replace Sunderland and Manchester United, who were relegated from Division 1. Arsenal are the defending Division 1 champions.
Promotion and relegation of two teams will apply once again this season. The teams finishing 11th and 12th in Division 1 will be relegated, while the team finishing top of Division 2 will be automatically promoted. Those teams finishing second, third, fourth and fifth in Division 2 will compete in a promotion playoff.