Derby County, Millwall (twice), Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers share a common thread that could be worth £150m this season. Over the past five seasons each finished eighth in the Championship table, a solid year with no reward under the old system.

For the 2026-27 campaign the EFL will expand the play‑offs so that seventh and eighth earn a spot, while third and fourth go straight to the semi‑final. A one‑legged quarter‑final pits fifth against eighth and sixth hosts seventh, with semi‑finals remaining two‑legged and the final at Wembley in late May.

The new format raises questions about its fairness and the chance of a side finishing seventh or eighth winning promotion. Managers such as John Mousinho and Tony Mowbray note that the extra game could reward mediocrity, while statistics show only seven promotions from the sixth place in 38 attempts and a similarly low success rate for seventh‑place teams.

Critics argue the system dilutes merit, yet it keeps more clubs fighting for the Premier League and may increase investment. The change promises more competitive fixtures until the final whistle. It also adds pressure on managers, with 13 changes reported last season. The debate continues among pundits and fans.