Yes. Manchester City were relegated twice, in 1995/96 and 2000/01. Since returning for 2002/03, they have stayed in the league, making 2026/27 their 25th straight season and 30th overall.
Manchester City in the Premier League at a glance
This table sets out the key points of City's Premier League record.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Premier League season | 1992/93 (first season of the league) |
| Seasons played (1992/93–2025/26) | 29 |
| 2026/27 | 30th Premier League season |
| Titles | 8 (2011/12, 2013/14, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24) |
| Lowest finish | 18th (1995/96, 2000/01) |
| Relegations | 1995/96, 2000/01 |
| 2025/26 finish | 2nd (78 points) |
| Home ground (2026/27) | Etihad Stadium, Manchester |
City were there from the start of the Premier League era. Being part of the founding season places the club among the competition's original members.
The basic point is simple: relegation is part of City's Premier League history, but so is a long modern stretch of staying in the division year after year.
City's 3 Premier League spells
The club's Premier League history breaks into 3 separate spells.
| Spell | Seasons | How it ended |
|---|---|---|
| First spell | 1992/93–1995/96 | Relegated |
| Second spell | 2000/01 | Relegated |
| Third spell | 2002/03–2025/26 | Still in the league in 2026/27 |
The structure of that record matters. City did not move through the whole Premier League era in one uninterrupted line, because there were breaks and returns.
The later spell is the one that defines the present picture. After coming back again, City established a sustained run in the division and have remained there ever since.
What their long-term record shows
This table gives City's all-time Premier League totals from 1992/93 to 2025/26.
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals for | Goals against | Points | All-time rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1114 | 573 | 239 | 302 | 1,997 | 1,214 | 1,958 | 6th |
That body of work places City high in the league's historical standings. Their goal difference across that span is +783, which helps show that the relegation years sit inside a much broader and stronger record.
For 2026/27, City are one of the Premier League's 20 clubs, and their home ground is Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Set beside the uninterrupted run since their last return, that gives a clear picture of where the club stands now.
FAQ
When did Manchester City join the Premier League?
City were in the first Premier League season in 1992/93. They were one of the league's 22 founding clubs.
How long have Manchester City been in the Premier League?
Up to and including 2025/26, City had played 29 Premier League seasons. In 2026/27, that becomes 30 in total, with 25 of them coming in one continuous run from 2002/03.
When did Manchester City get promoted to the Premier League?
City were promoted for 2000/01 and again for 2002/03. The later promotion started their current uninterrupted stay in the division.
Have Manchester City ever finished last in the Premier League?
No. City's lowest Premier League finish is 18th, recorded in 1995/96 and 2000/01, and those are also the 2 relegation seasons.