Wisconsin FIRST ® LEGO® League
BadgerBots serves as the Wisconsin operational partner for FIRST LEGO League—that means we run all FLL Challenge Tournaments and FLL Explore Festivals in Wisconsin. In addition, we provide support for teams across the state, including coach and mentor training.
Whether you're brand new to FLL or already part of a team, you'll find helpful resources and information below to support your journey. Welcome!
Wisconsin FLL Events
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July 9, 15, 23 and 29 — FLL Open Houses at BadgerBots in Middleton, WI. Learn more.
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August 4, 2026 — Official Kickoff for 2026–2027 FLL Season, BIOGLOW.
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August 6, 12, 20 and 26 — FLL Open Houses at BadgerBots in Middleton, WI. Learn more.
Important Changes Coming to FLL
3/19/2026: Important News from FIRST: LEGO Education Partnership Update
FIRST has made a significant announcement today regarding the future of its partnership with LEGO Education. We are carefully reviewing the details and working to understand what this means for our teams, students, coaches and community. In the meantime, we advise that you pause before purchasing the new LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kits.
We encourage you to read the official press release directly from FIRST:
Wisconsin FLL
For the 2026–2027 season, Wisconsin FLL will only offer Founders Edition (SPIKE™-based) events. Wisconsin FLL will not offer Future Edition (LEGO Education Computer Science & AI-based) events. Thus, the 2026–2027 WI FLL season is expected to look like prior seasons, with a new theme, of course.
LEGO Education SPIKE technology, as well as its predecessors (EV3s, Mindstorms), will continue to be allowed in FIRST's K–8 programs through 2028–2029.
If you have already pre-ordered or purchased LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kits, we recommend reaching out to LEGO to start the return/refund process here.
We’ll continue to share updates on how Wisconsin FLL will move forward as new details become available and plans are finalized. Because information is evolving, our goal is to keep coaches informed step by step as we learn more. To stay up to date, subscribe to our weekly FLL newsletter if you are not already, where we’ll share the latest announcements, guidance and next steps. Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.
Official FIRST Communications about Updates to FLL 2026–2027
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02/25/2026 — 2026–2027 FIRST Season Teaser
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03/19/2026 — FIRST & LEGO Education Partnership Update
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Updated 01/12/2026
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Updated 01/30/2026
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Updated 03/20/2026
Official LEGO Communications
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03/19/2026 — Important update about FIRST® LEGO® League
Important Dates/Deadlines
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June 30, 2026 — The last day to purchase the LEGO Education SPIKE™ Prime kit (45678) directly from LEGO Education.
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August 4, 2026 — Official Kickoff for 2026–2027 FLL Season. Many details for the 2026–2027 season will be released. This includes information around rules, the rubric and judging materials and other specifics about the game that teams need to know.
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June 30, 2028 — Last day to request LEGO Education SPIKE™ Prime replacement parts through LEGO Consumer Service.
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June 30, 2031 — The SPIKE App and related curriculum will continue to be supported until this date.
Please submit your questions about the Wisconsin FLL 2026–2027 season using this form so our team can review and respond efficiently and accurately. This helps us track topics and follow up on anything that needs additional research. You may also contact Emily Luffey, FLL Coordinator, directly at eluffey@badgerbots.org.
This content was last updated 4/10/2026.
Costs & Team Registration for FLL Challenge
Here's an estimate of what FLL Challenge teams should budget for the season. These are 2025–2026 season prices and may change for 2026–2027. All teams must be registered at firstinspires.org to participate in Wisconsin tournaments.
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Base season total: $545*
With advancement beyond Regionals: $615
*New teams also should add the cost of a LEGO SPIKE™ Prime Set: $429.95.
Resources & Help
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Training for Wisconsin FLL Challenge Coaches
14 credit hour, hands-on course exploring FLL Challenge and how to coach a team. Email FLLteams@badgerbots.org for more info.
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
Team Shovels of Doom collected and resold donated LEGO bricks to support Wisconsin archaeological nonprofits, showing that robotics is about more than competition.
Shovels of Doom #73751, Middleton, WI
First Place in Robot Design at the Madison Regional Tournament, 12/6/2025. Competed in the 2026 Wisconsin FLL Championship.
FAQ
When will the 2026–2027 season begin? FIRST will launch the new 2026–2027 season on August 4, 2026. Many details for the 2026–2027 season will be released including information around rules, the rubric and judging materials, and other specifics about the game that teams need to know. Wisconsin regional tournaments start in November, sectionals happen in mid-December, and the season wraps up with the State Championship in January.
What support will teams get from BadgerBots? We communicate frequently with team coaches in multiple different ways. If you have a specific question, email us at fllteams@badgerbots.org or join us on Slack. Slack is a messaging app where our head referees and judging advisor are often available and you can have conversations with other coaches and volunteers. You will need to be invited to join our Slack channel; email us at fllteams@badgerbots.org to get an invite. For weekly updates, make sure you’re subscribed to our email newsletter. When you register your team with FIRST, we will automatically subscribe your coach1, coach2, and admin contacts. Anyone else can sign up through our subscription page. To connect with other coaches and mentors, join our weekly Zoom call. We typically host these on Mondays from 7:30-8:30 pm, and frequently have referees and judge volunteers on the call to answer questions. We record these calls so you can watch them even if you can’t attend. The Zoom link is provided in our weekly email newsletter and recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
How do I set up a team? You need at least two kids and two adults to start a team. Then, you’ll need to register your team at firstinspires.org. Once you’re registered, your coaches will automatically get signed up for our weekly email newsletter where you’ll get additional information and access to our weekly Zoom meeting. Teams must be registered with FIRST in order to attend any Wisconsin tournaments.
How do I learn more about FLL Challenge before signing up? To help families learn more about the program and how to get involved, BadgerBots hosts FLL Challenge Info Nights each July and August at our Middleton, WI location. These sessions are a great way to explore what FLL is all about, ask questions and learn how to get your child involved. Experienced FLL coaches lead the sessions, and students from our older robotics teams are on hand to demonstrate the robots and help kids try them out.
Can't find what you're looking for? Email us at FLLteams@badgerbots.org.
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