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 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 two automatic promotion places have been confirmed: Leeds United and Burnley will be moving back to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season.
With one matchday remaining, Sheffield United and Sunderland are guaranteed a playoff place, with the other two spots to be determined on that final day.
Table up to date as of all matches on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Percentages via TheAnalyst.
| Pos. | Club | GP | Pts | W-D-L | GD | Chance: Auto Prom/Playoff |
| 1. | Leeds United-x | 45 | 97 | 28-13-4 | +64 | 100% / — |
| 2. | Burnley-x | 45 | 97 | 27-16-2 | +51 | 100% / — |
| 3. | Sheffield United-y | 45 | 89 | 28-7-10 | +27 | — / 100% |
| 4. | Sunderland-y | 45 | 76 | 21-13-11 | +15 | — / 100% |
| 5. | Bristol City | 45 | 67 | 17-16-12 | +4 | — / 89.14% |
| 6. | Coventry City | 45 | 66 | 19-9-17 | +4 | — / 65.84% |
| 7. | Millwall | 45 | 66 | 18-12-15 | 0 | — / 11.82% |
| 8. | Blackburn Rovers | 45 | 65 | 19-8-18 | +5 | — / 13.12% |
| 9. | Middlesbrough | 45 | 64 | 18-10-17 | +10 | — / 20.08% |
x - automatic promotion confirmed
y - promotion playoff position confirmed
Sheffield United led the table not long ago, but the Blades faded down the stretch, leaving Leeds United and Burnley to claim the automatic promotion spots. The title will be decided on the final day.
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, Millwall, Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough as the contenders for the last two positions.
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 playoffs to be played out over the first half of May, with the final 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.