Unlike previous seasons, where the Connacht champions earned a place in the quarter-finals, this year's winners advanced to the new "All-Ireland Super 8s".
Sligo are the only team to come into the new season under a new manager, with Cathal Corey having replaced Niall Carew.
[5] In December 2017, Corey appointed Kevin McDonnell as the new Sligo captain.
Kevin McStay appointed Conor Devaney in place of Ciaráin Murtagh during the winter break,[7] while Damien Comer was named as the new Tribesmen skipper for their league campaign, replacing Gary O'Donnell.
[8] New York named Tom Cunniffe, a former All-Ireland finalist with Mayo, as their captain.