The Championship play-offs are set for a major format change next season, expanding from four to six teams starting in 2026/27. EFL clubs will vote on the proposal during an extraordinary general meeting on March 5, with widespread support reported among Championship clubs. The current system only includes the four teams finishing directly below the automatic promotion places.

While the Premier League has expressed concerns that expansion might dilute the quality of teams promoted to the top flight, the EFL has conducted extensive consultations since the proposal emerged last autumn. The FA already approved the EFL's ability to proceed with the change at the end of 2025. Under the new system, teams finishing as low as eighth place could still earn promotion through the play-offs.

The expanded format would introduce an additional eliminator round, mirroring the system already used in the National League. The fifth-placed team would face eighth, while sixth meets seventh in one-off matches at the higher-ranked team's home ground. Winners would then advance to semi-finals against the third and fourth-placed teams, maintaining the traditional Wembley final to decide promotion.