The English Championship is one of the most fiercely contested leagues in football, with 24 teams battling it out each season to secure a coveted spot in the Premier League. Among the most exciting aspects of the season is the playoff stage, where four teams fight for the final promotion place. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Championship playoffs:
What Are the Championship Playoffs?
The Championship playoffs are a mini-knockout tournament held after the regular season ends. The top two teams (Leeds United and Burnley in 2025) automatically earn promotion to the Premier League, but the teams finishing third through sixth still have a chance to secure the final spot.
How Do the Championship Playoffs Work?
- Semi-finals:
- Teams finishing 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th compete in a two-legged semi-final.
- The 3rd-placed team faces the 6th-placed team, while the 4th-placed team takes on the 5th-placed team.
- Each tie consists of two matches, with the higher-placed team hosting the second leg.
- If the aggregate score is tied after both legs, the tie goes to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
- Final:
- The winners of the semi-finals face off in a one-off final at Wembley Stadium.
- If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time and penalties determine the winner.
- The victor secures Premier League promotion.
Which Teams Have Qualified for the 2025 Championship Playoffs?
The playoff teams are yet to be confirmed, but as of April 22, 2025, the current Championship table looks like this:
| Position | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leeds United (P) | 44 | 27 | 13 | 4 | +60 | 94 |
| 2 | Burnley (P) | 44 | 26 | 16 | 2 | +46 | 94 |
| 3 | Sheffield United (Q) | 44 | 27 | 7 | 10 | +25 | 86 |
| 4 | Sunderland (Q) | 44 | 21 | 13 | 10 | +17 | 76 |
| 5 | Bristol City | 44 | 17 | 16 | 11 | +8 | 67 |
| 6 | Coventry City | 44 | 19 | 9 | 16 | +5 | 66 |
| 7 | Middlesbrough | 44 | 18 | 9 | 17 | +10 | 63 |
| 8 | Millwall | 44 | 17 | 12 | 15 | -1 | 63 |
| 9 | Blackburn Rovers | 44 | 18 | 8 | 18 | +4 | 62 |
| 10 | West Bromwich Albion | 44 | 14 | 18 | 12 | +8 | 60 |
As of now, Sheffield United, Sunderland, and other teams like Coventry City are still vying for playoff spots.
Where to Watch the Championship Playoffs 2025
- United Kingdom (UK): Sky Sports will broadcast all playoff games.
- United States (U.S.): CBS Sports Network will cover the playoffs, with most games available on Paramount+.
When Are the 2025 Championship Playoffs?
- Semi-finals begin shortly after the regular season ends (May 3, 2025).
- Final: May 24, 2025, at Wembley Stadium, London.
Championship Playoffs Fixtures & Results
| Date | Fixture | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|
| May 8 | Semi-final 1, leg 1: Sheffield United vs TBC | Sky Sports/Paramount+ |
| May 9 | Semi-final 2, leg 1: Sunderland vs TBC | Sky Sports/Paramount+ |
| May 12 | Semi-final 1, leg 2: TBC vs Sheffield United | Sky Sports/Paramount+ |
| May 13 | Semi-final 2, leg 2: TBC vs Sunderland | Sky Sports/Paramount+ |
| May 24 | Final: Semi-final 1 winner vs Semi-final 2 winner | Sky Sports/Paramount+ |
Who Won the Championship Playoffs in 2024?
Southampton won the 2024 Championship playoffs with a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the final, securing their return to the Premier League.
How Much Is Winning the Championship Playoffs Worth?
Winning the Championship playoffs is often referred to as “The Richest Game in Football,” as the financial rewards from promotion to the Premier League can be worth £100 million ($120 million) or more. This includes TV revenue, sponsorships, and the potential for further commercial success.
The financial boost could be even more significant if the promoted team can stay in the Premier League beyond their first season.
