Clubs in the English Football League (EFL) have approved plans to expand the promotion play-offs in the EFL Championship, with the new format set to take effect from the 2026–2027 season.
Under the revised system, teams finishing between third and eighth position will compete for promotion to the Premier League. The structure is similar to the format currently used in the National League.
Teams that finish third and fourth in the Championship standings will automatically qualify for the semi-finals. Meanwhile, clubs placed fifth to eighth will play one-legged quarter-final matches, with the fifth-placed team hosting the side in eighth position, while the sixth-placed team will face the seventh-placed side at home.
The semi-finals will remain two-legged ties, while the play-off final will continue to be held at Wembley Stadium in late May.
However, the EFL confirmed that there are currently no plans to introduce a similar system in the EFL League One or the EFL League Two divisions.
The proposal had been debated for several seasons before receiving approval from both the EFL board and the The Football Association.
According to the league, the expansion aims to create more competitive fixtures toward the end of the season while giving two additional clubs the chance to reach the play-off final at Wembley and compete for promotion to the Premier League.
The Championship play-offs have traditionally involved four teams since their introduction during the 1986–1987 campaign.
In the previous season, Millwall FC finished eighth with 66 points but narrowly missed the play-offs, as Bristol City FC secured the final qualifying spot with 68 points. Meanwhile, Sheffield United FC, who ended the regular season in third place with 90 points, lost the play-off final to Sunderland AFC.
EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch said the play-offs remain one of the most exciting aspects of the domestic football calendar.
He explained that after months of discussions with clubs and stakeholders, the league believes the expanded format will strengthen the Championship and give more teams and supporters a realistic opportunity to fight for promotion.
Meanwhile, clubs in the National League are continuing to campaign for a third automatic promotion place through their “3UP” initiative. The issue was discussed during a recent general meeting, although no formal vote has been scheduled yet.
The EFL has previously indicated that any broader changes to promotion or relegation structures would require the support of a majority of its member clubs, including those competing in the Championship.