Promotion to the Premier League from the second tier of English football is considered one of the most lucrative steps any club can make anywhere around the globe.
The 24 Championship clubs are vying to be one of the three that earns a spot in the 2025/26 top flight season, but a few lead the way as the season nears a close.
Burnley and Leeds United, two teams that were relegated the previous season, are amongst the frontrunners, while Sheffield United are also a contender for a return to the top flight after four years adrift.
The Sporting News brings you a look at the current promotion picture, with the races for both automatic promotion and playoff positions heating up.
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Which teams will be promoted to Premier League from Championship?
The top two spots in the Championship table will earn automatic promotion to the Premier League, while the final position will be determined by a four-team playoff made up of those finishing in third through sixth.
Table up to date as of Sunday, April 20, 2025. Percentages via TheAnalyst.
| Pos. | Club | GP | Pts | W-D-L | GD | Chance: Auto Prom/Playoff |
| 1. | Leeds United | 43 | 91 | 26-13-4 | +54 | 99.2% / 100% |
| 2. | Burnley | 43 | 91 | 25-16-2 | +45 | 96.78% / 100% |
| 3. | Sheffield United | 43 | 86 | 27-7-9 | +26 | 4.02% / 100% |
| 4. | Sunderland | 43 | 76 | 21-13-9 | +18 | — / 100% |
| 5. | Bristol City | 43 | 67 | 17-16-10 | +10 | — / 90.26% |
| 6. | Coventry City | 43 | 66 | 19-9-15 | +7 | — / 79.84% |
| 7. | Middlesbrough | 43 | 63 | 18-9-16 | +11 | — / 23.98% |
| 8. | West Brom | 43 | 60 | 14-18-11 | +10 | 0% / 5.32% |
Sheffield United led the table not long ago, but the Blades have faded down the stretch, leaving Leeds United and Burnley in firm control of the automatic promotion race. In fact, the title chase is now a real thriller as the two sides are level on points with three games to go.
From there, there are four playoff positions up for grabs. With Sheffield United and Sunderland locked into two of those, it leaves Bristol City, Coventry City, Middlesbrough, and West Brom to battle for the remaining two.
The group of teams below are unlikely to have a say, as Watford have faded and Milwall, Blackburn, and Swansea are too far adrift for a late push.
When is the 2025 Championship playoff?
The final matchday of 2024/25 Championship fixtures is scheduled for the first weekend of May, on May 3.
That leaves the playoff to be played out over the first half of May, with the final of the 2025 Championship playoff is set for May 24, 2025 at Wembley Stadium.
Prior to the final the four qualified teams will first contest a two-legged semifinal with each club hosting one match.