The English Football League has released the official timetable for the play‑off phase of the 2025/26 season across its three professional divisions: the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two. The information outlines when the regular season wraps up, the dates for the semi‑final legs, and the schedule for the three decisive finals that will be staged over the May bank holiday weekend. According to the released agenda, the competitive action in all three tiers will draw to a close on Saturday, 2 May 2026, when the final round of league fixtures is played.
Immediately after the conclusion of the regular season, the play‑off battles will begin. The two‑legged semi‑finals are set to be contested over a one‑week period, with the first‑leg encounters scheduled for Friday, 8 May, and the return legs taking place on the following Friday, 15 May. This staggered arrangement gives each club a full week to prepare for the high‑stakes encounters that will determine who progresses to the finals.
The climax of the promotion battles will be spread across the three days of the bank holiday weekend: the Championship final on Saturday, 23 May; the League One final on Sunday, 24 May; and the League Two final on Monday, 25 May. By allocating a separate day for each division, the league ensures that the spotlight can rest on every final without overlapping, allowing fans to experience each match in its own right. For supporters who wish to watch the action live, all fifteen play‑off fixtures – encompassing six semi‑final games (two legs for each of the three divisions) and three finals – will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This comprehensive coverage means that every decisive moment, from the opening whistles of the semi‑final first legs to the concluding penalty shoot‑outs in the finals, will be available on the network’s television channels and streaming platforms.
Viewers who already have a Sky subscription can follow their favourite EFL side through the dedicated Sky Sports app, which provides live streaming, on‑demand replays, and a suite of supplementary content such as match highlights, player interviews and tactical analysis. The app also offers push notifications so fans can stay informed about any late‑breaking news, such as line‑up changes or venue updates. For those without a traditional Sky TV contract, the league and its broadcast partners have arranged alternative streaming options that do not require a long‑term agreement. These pay‑as‑you‑go or temporary subscription services allow casual viewers to access the live feed of their chosen play‑off matches on a flexible basis, making it easier for occasional fans or those residing abroad to stay connected to the drama.
In addition to the televised coverage, Sky Sports maintains an active presence on WhatsApp, where it distributes the latest sports headlines, video clips, in‑depth features, and expert analysis. Subscribers can join the WhatsApp channel to receive real‑time updates, behind‑the‑scenes content, and interactive polls that enhance the overall fan experience during the play‑off period. The league also encourages fan engagement through its promotional activities.
One such initiative, the "Play Super 6" competition, offers participants the chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool. Entry to the competition is free, and it typically involves correctly predicting the outcomes of a series of six matches across the play‑off fixtures. This adds an extra layer of excitement for fans who enjoy testing their football knowledge against the odds. To summarise, the key dates are as follows: - Final round of the regular season: Saturday, 2 May 2026 - Play‑off semi‑final first legs: Friday, 8 May 2026 - Play‑off semi‑final second legs: Friday, 15 May 2026 - Championship final: Saturday, 23 May 2026 - League One final: Sunday, 24 May 2026 - League Two final: Monday, 25 May 2026 All matches will be shown live on Sky Sports, with additional streaming routes available for non‑Sky customers, and a suite of digital services to keep fans informed and entertained throughout the play‑off weekend.