EFL Championship Playoff: How promotion is decided and what fans need to know

One match can change a club's future — promotion from the Championship to the Premier League often brings over £100m in extra revenue. The playoff is where that money, pride and pressure meet. If you follow Championship football, this is the fixture list that matters most after the regular season.

How the play-offs work

The Championship season sends the top two teams straight up to the Premier League. Teams finishing 3rd to 6th go into the play-offs. That gives four clubs one last shot at promotion.

Semi-finals are two-legged ties: 3rd vs 6th and 4th vs 5th. The higher-placed team hosts the second leg. There’s no away-goals rule — if the aggregate score is level after the second leg, matches go to extra time and, if needed, penalties. The two semi winners meet in a single final, usually at Wembley. The winner of that final takes the third promotion spot.

Key things that decide play-off outcomes: current form, squad depth (bench strength matters across two legs), injuries to key players, and how teams handle pressure. Managers with playoff experience also have a real edge.

Practical tips for fans: tickets, travel, and watching the games

Want to attend or watch like a pro? First, check your club’s ticket allocation and priority windows — season ticket holders usually get first dibs. Finals at Wembley sell out fast; use official resale channels from your club or the league to avoid scams. Arrive early on match day: security checks, bag rules and transport queues add time.

Watching live? Broadcasters and streaming rights vary by country and season. Check your club’s official website and the EFL’s site for up-to-date broadcast info. If you’re overseas, club channels and region-specific broadcasters often carry the games or offer highlights shortly after full-time.

For betting or prediction talk, focus on simple metrics: form over the last six matches, away clean sheets, and recent head-to-heads. These tell you more than reputation alone.

Need a quick fan checklist? Pack proof of ID, check travel links (Wembley and big stadiums handle crowds differently), follow club social channels for late updates, and download your club’s app for digital tickets and travel advice. Wear your colours, but keep valuables safe — playoff atmospheres are brilliant but intense.

If you’re following the season closely, track injuries and suspension lists in the final two weeks. A single yellow-card suspension or a hamstring tweak can flip the whole tie. And remember: playoff football is as much about nerve as it is about skill. Expect drama, and enjoy it.