In its current format, the Derry Hurling Championship begins with a group stage.

The eight participating teams are divided into two groups of four and play each other in a round-robin system.

The second-placed team in each group proceeds to the intermediate final at the Derry Centre of Excellenece.

Swatragh are the title holders after defeating Kevin Lynch's by 2-10 to 0-11 in the 2024 final.

The teams are ranked in the group stage table by points gained, then scoring difference and then their head-to-head record.