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.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing