EFL Clubs Approve Expanded Championship Play-offs From 2026-2027 Season

Clubs in the English Football League have voted to expand the play-offs in the EFL Championship, allowing six teams to compete for promotion to the Premier League from the 2026-2027 season.

Under the new format, teams finishing between third and eighth place will enter the promotion play-offs. The structure mirrors the system currently used in the National League.

Sides finishing third and fourth will move straight into the semi-finals. Teams placed fifth to eighth will contest one-legged quarter-finals, with fifth hosting eighth and sixth welcoming seventh.

The semi-finals will remain two-legged affairs, while the final will continue to be staged at Wembley Stadium at the end of May.

There are no plans to extend the same format to EFL League One or EFL League Two.

The proposal had been under discussion for several seasons before receiving approval from the EFL board and the Football Association.

“The decision is intended to increase the number of competitive fixtures during the closing stages of the campaign, while also allowing two additional clubs to reach the play-off final at Wembley Stadium and progress to the Premier League,” the EFL said.

The Championship play-offs have involved four teams since they were introduced in the 1986-1987 campaign.

Last season, Millwall FC finished eighth with 66 points, narrowly missing out on the play-offs as Bristol City FC claimed the final spot with 68 points. Sheffield United FC, who finished third on 90 points, went on to lose the play-off final to Sunderland AFC.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said the play-offs remain one of the standout moments in the domestic game.

“The play-offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special,” Birch said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, the National League continues to push for a third promotion place through its 3UP campaign. Clubs discussed the issue during a general meeting this week, although no formal vote has yet been scheduled.

The EFL has previously stated that any changes to promotion or relegation across its divisions would require the backing of a majority of its member clubs, including those in the Championship.