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 third-placed team in each group proceeds to the junior final at the Derry Centre of Excellence.

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

A senior team from the previous season cannot compete in Ulster at Junior level.