EFL introduces six promotion spots, hires new managers for Championship

The English Football League (EFL) has unveiled the 2026/27 season, announcing a major overhaul of the Championship play‑offs and a wave of managerial changes across all three divisions. The new format will see the top six clubs earn automatic promotion, while teams finishing 7th to 10th compete in a four‑team play‑off mini‑league, with the winner taking the final promotion spot. The season kicks off on 20 July, with the play‑offs scheduled for late April and early May.

The changes come after a period of scrutiny over the EFL’s revenue distribution and fixture congestion. The 2024‑25 season saw clubs in the Championship and League One playing over 50 games, pushing back on player welfare and fan engagement. The EFL’s board argued that expanding the play‑off field will increase TV revenue, boost match‑day income and give more clubs a realistic shot at promotion. The new structure mirrors the Championship’s successful “pre‑play‑off” round used in the Premier League, and the league will now broadcast all play‑off matches live on the EFL’s streaming platform and partner TV channels.

Several clubs have already announced new managers and high‑profile signings. Leicester City will be led by former Premier League coach Roberto De Zerbi, who will bring a possession‑based style after a 12‑month stint in Spain. Birmingham City has hired former Championship stalwart Dean Smith, who is expected to rebuild the squad after a 12‑point drop last season. In League One, Coventry City has appointed former West