EFL confirm huge Championship play-off change

EFL clubs have approved a major change to the way that the Championship play-off system works, starting from next season six teams instead of four will be involved.

At present the top two teams gain automatic promotion to the Premier League, while the next four teams compete to make the play-off final and secure the third promotion spot.

That though will change from 2026-27, with the number of teams in the Championship play-offs changing from four to six, with the format also changing.

With the current league standings, if they were under the new format, Southampton (11/10 to finish in the top-six) and Derby County (8/1) would join the teams in third, fourth, fifth and sixth in the play-offs.

Championship to adopt National League system

The new EFL plan will offer the chance for more clubs to make the play-offs, with the teams finishing in seventh and eighth also making the end-of-season system.

The new format will see the teams finishing in third and fourth progressing directly to the semi-finals, while a one-leg tie will be played by the other four teams.

Fifth will play host to eighth and sixth will entertain seventh to see which other two clubs make the semi-final stage.

The semi-finals will remain two-legged affairs, as they currently are, to see who reaches the Wembley final at the end of May.

Speaking after the meeting, EFL chief executive Trevor Birch stated: "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."

The EFL bosses have said that nothing will change, for now, with regards to the play-off system for League One and League Two.

EFL to consider extra places

Another possible change that has been speculated about is for a third promotion place to be added to the National League.

That would ultimately impact the EFL system, with the most likely seeing three teams rather than two relegated from League Two.

A general meeting is set to take place next week, with all clubs set to discuss "alignment requirements", but no formal vote is planned at present.

The EFL has stated that any change to promotion and relegation in any division would require approval from the majority of EFL clubs.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.