The EFL has officially confirmed that the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship season will kick off on the weekend of 8–10 August 2025. Fixtures across the Championship, League One and League Two will be released at 12pm BST on Thursday, 26 June 2025. With promotion hopefuls preparing to go again and newly relegated Premier League clubs joining the battle, the new Championship campaign promises drama from day one.
When Will The EFL Championship Date Be Announced?
The English Football League has officially announced that all fixtures for the Championship, League One and League Two will be released on Thursday 26 June 2025 at 12:00 BST. This announcement applies to the Sky Bet Championship as well as the other two EFL divisions. The date is critical for clubs, players and fans, as it allows them to begin logistical preparations, including travel plans, ticket sales, and stadium operations.
The EFL, the governing body of the Championship, traditionally confirms this date in late spring to allow for broadcasting arrangements, police coordination, and fixture balancing. The confirmed fixture release marks the starting point of the build-up to the new English football season.
What Is The Official Date For The Sky Bet Championship Kick-Off?
The 2025/26 Championship season will begin across the weekend of Friday 8 August to Sunday 10 August 2025. That opening weekend is set to feature a full slate of matches across all three EFL divisions.
The Championship campaign generally begins one week before the Premier League. This pattern holds for 2025, as the Premier League is scheduled to start on Saturday 16 August. Opening fixtures are usually spread across Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, giving each EFL division prominent broadcast slots on Sky Sports and other platforms.
Why Does The Fixture Release Matter To Clubs And Fans?
The fixture release is one of the most significant dates in the EFL calendar. It dictates much more than just the opening day – clubs learn the dates for key derbies, midweek matches, festive period clashes, and the all-important final day of the regular season.
For clubs, early access to fixtures is essential for planning team travel, securing accommodation, and managing player recovery periods. For fans, it allows for travel bookings, home ticket purchases, and the start of matchday traditions that define the English football experience.
Supporter groups and ultras often plan months in advance, especially for long-distance away games. Fixture scheduling can also impact training schedules, marketing campaigns, and even new kit releases.
How Long Does The 2025–26 Season Run?
The EFL Championship 2025/26 season will run from 8 August 2025 until early May 2026, followed by the play-off semi-finals and the prestigious Championship play-off final at Wembley. The season typically features 46 rounds of fixtures, with each of the 24 clubs playing one another home and away.
There will also be scheduled breaks for international fixtures, as well as adjustments for the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and potential fixture postponements due to weather or other conditions. The campaign usually includes congested festive periods, notably matches on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, which are cherished parts of the footballing calendar.
Which Teams Are Entering The Championship This Season?
A fresh mix of clubs will take part in the 2025/26 Championship season, making for a dynamic and unpredictable campaign. While the final list depends on promotion and relegation from the 2024/25 season, the following team movements have already been confirmed or are expected:
- Relegated from the Premier League: The bottom three clubs from the Premier League drop into the Championship. Among them could be Leicester City or Southampton, depending on their top-flight finish in 2024/25.
- Promoted from League One: Clubs like Wrexham, who have made headlines with back-to-back promotions in recent years, may now feature in the Championship if they earn promotion from League One.
- Relegated from the Championship: Sides like Birmingham City, who have struggled for consistency, may be relegated to League One depending on their final 2024/25 standing.
The mix of recently relegated Premier League teams and ambitious clubs from League One always reshapes the Championship dynamic each year.
What Is The Format And Schedule Breakdown For The Campaign?
The Championship format remains the same as in previous years. Each of the 24 clubs plays 46 matches – one home and one away against every other team. Points are awarded in the standard format: three for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss.
At the end of the regular season:
- The top two clubs earn automatic promotion to the Premier League.
- Clubs finishing 3rd to 6th enter the play-offs, with the final taking place at Wembley in May 2026.
- The bottom three clubs are relegated to League One.
The EFL also ensures scheduling fairness by spreading midweek fixtures evenly and avoiding consecutive long-distance trips where possible.
Are There Any Changes Affecting The Championship Season This Year?
While no major structural changes are confirmed for the 2025/26 Championship, some ongoing developments within English football may impact club operations. These include:
- EFL Financial Fair Play (FFP): Enhanced enforcement expected following recent cases involving Championship clubs.
- Broadcasting changes: The EFL’s new broadcast deal might result in more matches being shown live, increasing exposure and scheduling complexity.
- Winter break considerations: Unlike the Premier League, the EFL generally plays through winter, but minor changes to accommodate international tournaments could affect the calendar.
Clubs like Southampton and Leicester City, with experience in both the Premier League and Championship, will look to navigate these changes effectively.
How Does This Season Compare To The Premier League’s Calendar?
The EFL Championship begins one week earlier than the Premier League, which helps avoid fixture clashes and spreads broadcast coverage. In 2025, the Premier League will begin on 16 August, allowing the Championship to take the spotlight during its opening weekend.
Unlike the Premier League, which has a mid-season break, the Championship usually operates without pause, making it one of the most physically demanding leagues in Europe. Clubs play through the festive period and international breaks often result in squad rotation due to player absences.
While the top division grabs the headlines, the Championship campaign is often cited as more unpredictable and competitive due to its structure, frequency of matches, and intensity.
What Key Dates Should Fans Note?
Here are some crucial dates in the 2025/26 EFL Championship season:
- Fixture release: 26 June 2025 (12:00 BST)
- Opening day: 8 August 2025
- Festive fixtures: 26 December 2025 (Boxing Day) and 1 January 2026 (New Year’s Day)
- Final day of the regular season: Early May 2026
- Play-off final: Likely late May 2026 at Wembley Stadium
Additionally, watch for EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) fixtures and FA Cup dates, which typically begin in August and January respectively.
Conclusion
The countdown to the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship is well and truly on. With fixture announcements coming on 26 June and the opening round set for 8–10 August, clubs across the English Football League are already preparing for another high-stakes campaign. From promotion hopefuls to newly relegated sides looking to bounce back, this year’s Championship season is poised to deliver all the hallmarks of competitive English football — intensity, unpredictability, and relentless pace. Whether you’re backing a top contender or following a club fighting for survival, there’s no doubt the 2025/26 campaign will be unmissable.
