FIRST Robotics (FRC, FTC, FLL)
Youth robotics programmes by age band, from FIRST LEGO League to the FIRST Robotics Competition, ending at the FIRST Championship in Houston. What it is, how to enter and what it costs.
FIRST runs three robotics competitions for school-age teams, each with a new game every season, ending at the FIRST Championship in Houston each April or May. A FIRST Robotics Competition team pays $6,500 to register for the 2026 to 2027 season, due 17 November 2026.
At a glance
| Since | 1989, founded by Dean Kamen |
| Programmes | FIRST LEGO League (K to 8), FIRST Tech Challenge (grades 7 to 12), FIRST Robotics Competition (grades 9 to 12) |
| Season | A new game each autumn; regional or district events, then the championship |
| Championship | Houston, each April or May |
| 2026 FRC winners | Alliance 4414, 1323, 4065, 1538 |
| Official site | firstinspires.org |
How to enter FRC, and what it costs
Teams register with FIRST for each season. The FIRST Robotics Competition prices for 2026 to 2027, before tax and shipping:
| Item | Price | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Season registration (one regional or two district events) | $6,500 | 17 November 2026 |
| Extra regional event | $3,200 | 21 January 2027 |
| Extra district event | $1,000 | 21 January 2027 |
| District Championship | $4,000 | |
| FIRST Championship | $6,000 |
FIRST says fees rose for 2026 to 2027 and that sales tax may now apply. Teams outside the US pay through local partners at different prices; Ontario, for example, is CA$9,500. FIRST LEGO League Explore is reported at $150 a season; we have not yet confirmed the FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST LEGO League Challenge fees.
Where to watch
We have not found a current FIRST page listing official webcasts. Events are usually streamed by their organisers; the FIRST YouTube channel carries highlights. We will add the championship stream when it is announced.