A major change to the Championship play-offs.
They will be expanded from the start of next (2026/27) season.
Currently, the teams that finish between third and sixth go into the Championship play-offs.
However, an official EFL announcement on Thursday morning revealing the change.
The top two still go up automatically but it will be now the six clubs that finish between third and eighth who take part in the Championship play-offs, as from next season.
The EFL announcement stating: ‘At a General Meeting today, EFL Clubs approved changes to expand the number of teams competing in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs from four to six, starting in the 2026/27 season. The decision is intended to increase the number of competitive fixtures during the closing stages of the campaign, while also giving two additional Clubs the opportunity to reach the Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium and progress to the Premier League.’
Trevor Birch is EFL Chief Executive and he has said: “Since their introduction in 1986/87, the Play-Offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special. Following several months of discussion with Clubs and other stakeholders, we are confident this change will further strengthen the Championship as a competition and give more Clubs and their supporters a genuine opportunity of achieving promotion.”
The EFL detailing this new Championship play-off format as from 2026/27:
The Play-Offs in the Championship will consist of seven fixtures
The two winners of the eliminator ties will progress to the semi-finals (against the teams finishing 3rd and 4th in the table). These games will be played over two legs.
The two winning semi-finalists will meet in the Championship Play-Off final.
The exact final format will be agreed later in 2026.