The English Football League has voted to expand the Championship play-offs from four to six teams starting with the 2026-27 season. This marks the first format change since 1990 when the final moved to Wembley Stadium. The new system mirrors the National League structure, with eliminator matches between fifth-eighth and sixth-seventh before the semi-finals.

The automatic promotion spots for first and second place remain unchanged, while third and fourth qualify directly for the semi-finals. The eliminator winners then face third and fourth in the traditional two-legged semi-finals, with the final still at Wembley. This expansion aims to create more competitive drama and offer smaller-budget clubs a better chance at promotion.

Critics worry about an eighth-placed team potentially reaching the Premier League, but historical data suggests this is unlikely. Since 2004, only two sixth-placed teams have won the play-offs, and the average point gap between sixth and eighth is just 4.6 points. The format change will also maintain end-of-season excitement, as teams will fight harder for third or fourth place to avoid elimination rounds. The precise system will be confirmed at the league's annual general meeting this summer.