How do the Championship playoffs work for Premier League promotion?

Teams finishing 3rd to 6th compete in two-legged semifinals, with winners facing off in a final at Wembley for the last Premier League spot.

How much is winning the Championship playoff final worth financially?

Winning the Championship playoff final is estimated to be worth over £100 million due to Premier League revenues and parachute payments.

Which team has the best Championship playoff record?

Crystal Palace is the most successful club in Championship playoff history, having achieved promotion four times via this route.

Home / Sports / Championship Playoffs: Football's Richest Prize Revealed

Championship Playoffs: Football's Richest Prize Revealed

29 Dec

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Summary

Playoffs decide the final Premier League promotion spot.
Final is worth over £100 million, the richest single match.
Coventry City leads, with many teams vying for playoffs.

Championship Playoffs: Football's Richest Prize Revealed

The Championship playoffs are the final hurdle for teams aiming for Premier League promotion, a path widely regarded as the most valuable single match in football, exceeding even the Champions League final in financial stakes. While there's no direct trophy prize money, promotion to the Premier League unlocks significant financial benefits.

Championship clubs compete for the third promotion spot via two-legged semifinals and a final at Wembley Stadium, scheduled for May 23, 2026. The final itself can extend to extra time and penalties if scores are level. The financial reward of promotion can exceed £100 million, including substantial solidarity payments and broadcast revenue.

As of December 29, 2025, Coventry City is the league leader, with a wide range of teams, from second to 18th place, realistically in contention for playoff spots. Crystal Palace holds the record for the most playoff promotions in the league's history.