The schedule for the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two play‑offs has now been released, giving fans a clear view of when the decisive matches will take place. All fixtures are set, and there are several options for watching the action depending on your subscription status. **Broadcast options** - **Television**: If you are a Sky subscriber, you can tune in to the dedicated Sky Sports channels to catch every moment live.
- **Mobile and desktop apps**: Sky customers also have the convenience of the Sky Sports app, which allows multi‑screen viewing so you can follow the games on a phone, tablet, or computer. - **Streaming for non‑Sky users**: Those without a Sky package can still watch via the NOW service.
A "NOW Day" pass provides a single‑day access, while a "NOW Month" pass offers a flexible, cancel‑anytime subscription for the duration of the play‑offs. **Technical recommendation** For the best viewing experience, especially when using the online player, we advise using the Chrome browser. It delivers a more accessible and reliable video interface across devices.
### Play‑off semi‑finals – first leg results - **Hull City vs. Middlesbrough**: Hull secured a narrow 1‑0 victory away from home, giving them a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.
- **Middlesbrough vs. Southampton**: The encounter ended in a goalless draw, leaving both sides level and setting up an intriguing return fixture. - **Stevenage vs.
Stockport County**: Stockport edged a 1‑0 win on the road, positioning themselves strongly for the decisive second leg. - **Notts County vs.
Salford City**: Notts County displayed dominance with a 3‑0 triumph, establishing a comfortable cushion. - **Chesterfield vs.
Notts County**: In a tightly contested match, Chesterfield fell 0‑1, handing Notts County another lead heading into the concluding leg. ### Play‑off semi‑finals – second leg outcomes - **Hull City vs. Middlesbrough (second leg)**: Hull sealed their progression with a 2‑0 win at home, bringing the aggregate score to 3‑0 and confirming their place in the final. - **Southampton vs.
Middlesbrough (second leg)**: After a 2‑1 victory for Southampton after extra time, the aggregate finished 2‑1 in Southampton's favour, allowing them to advance. - **Stockport County vs. Stevenage (second leg)**: Stockport delivered a commanding 2‑0 home win, resulting in a 3‑0 aggregate triumph and a spot in the next round. - **Salford City vs.
Grimsby Town (second leg)**: The tie went to extra time, with Salford drawing 2‑2. However, Grimsby progressed on a 4‑3 aggregate after a dramatic finish. - **Notts County vs.
Chesterfield (second leg)**: The second leg ended 0‑0, but Notts County advanced on a 1‑0 aggregate thanks to their first‑leg win. ### How to watch each match - **Sky subscribers**: Simply open the Sky Sports app or switch to the appropriate Sky Sports channel at the scheduled kickoff time.
- **Non‑Sky viewers**: Purchase a NOW Day pass for a single match or a NOW Month pass for the entire play‑off period. Both options grant you access to the live streams without any long‑term commitment. - **Browser choice**: For optimal streaming quality, use Google Chrome.
It ensures the video player functions smoothly and offers better accessibility features. ### Additional context and what’s at stake The play‑offs represent the final hurdle for clubs aspiring to join the elite tiers of English football. In the Championship, the winner earns promotion to the Premier League, unlocking significant financial rewards and heightened global exposure.
In League One and League Two, promotion means stepping up to a higher division, which brings increased revenue, stronger competition, and the chance to attract higher‑profile players. Each semi‑final is contested over two legs – one match at each team's home ground – with the aggregate score determining who progresses. If the aggregate is level after both legs, the tie moves to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shoot‑out to decide the winner.
This format adds drama and ensures that both teams have an equal opportunity to capitalize on home advantage. ### Key takeaways for fans - Mark your calendars for the dates listed above; the play‑offs are a compact, high‑stakes series of fixtures that conclude the season. - Choose your viewing method early – whether you have a Sky subscription or prefer the flexibility of NOW streaming – to avoid missing any action.
- Use Chrome for the most reliable streaming experience, especially if you plan to watch on a laptop or desktop. - Remember that each goal can be decisive; the aggregate system means that even a single away goal can swing the tie in your favor.
By staying informed about the schedule, broadcast options, and the stakes involved, supporters can fully enjoy the excitement of the 2025/26 play‑offs and cheer their teams as they battle for promotion glory.