EFL Championship Play Offs to Expand to Six Teams

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.

EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, 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.”

Sky Bet EFL Play-Offs Format – 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.