The 2026/27 English Football League campaign has officially begun, and the excitement is already palpable across all three divisions. This weekend marks the launch of the season, with every Championship, League One and League Two fixture being broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving fans a front‑row seat to the drama from the very first whistle. One of the most headline‑grabbing changes introduced over the summer concerns the Championship play‑offs.
For the first time in decades the format has been broadened: instead of the traditional top‑six, the play‑offs will now involve the clubs finishing in the top eight. This adjustment dramatically increases the number of teams that retain a realistic shot at promotion, keeping the league table tighter for longer and promising a flood of late‑season excitement. Among the clubs tipped as early favourites for an immediate return to the Premier League are West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Hammers are making their first appearance at this level in fourteen years, but they have retained both manager Nuno Espírito Santo and key forward Jarrod Bowen.
Both men are no strangers to the Championship; Nuno guided Wolves to the title in 2018, while Bowen spent a spell with Hull City in the second tier before his move to east London. Wolves, on the other hand, have opted for a fresh direction by appointing the relatively unknown Portuguese coach César Peixoto, replacing Rob Edwards during the off‑season. Their opening match, a 2‑2 draw at home against Blackburn Rovers, hinted at a team still finding its rhythm under the new leadership. Burnley presents a slightly different narrative.
The Clarets have installed Belgian manager Nicky Hayen, a 45‑year‑old who previously led Club Brugge and Genk. While a managerial change can bring uncertainty, Burnley’s recent pedigree cannot be ignored – they secured promotion in each of the last two Championship campaigns, both times amassing more than 100 points. Their experience at this level makes them a formidable contender, even as they adapt to Hayen’s tactical ideas. Sky Sports’ data model currently lists West Ham and Wolves as the top two odds‑on favourites, with Burnley sitting in fourth place, just behind Middlesbrough.
The latter endured a roller‑coaster season last term, spending more weeks in the top two than any other side but ultimately finishing fifth. Their campaign was further complicated by the infamous Spygate controversy, a semi‑final defeat to Southampton, a reinstatement to the final, and a heartbreaking loss to Hull City after Oli McBurnie’s stoppage‑time winner at Wembley.
Despite that turbulent past, Middlesbrough appear to have shaken off any lingering hangover, largely thanks to an aggressive summer transfer strategy. Owner Steve Gibson has opened the club’s coffers, bringing in several high‑profile signings.
Striker Will Lankshear, who netted the decisive goal against Wrexham in the Carabao Cup and scored 11 times for a struggling Oxford side last season, arrives from Tottenham Hotspur. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, fresh from representing the United States at the World Cup, adds creativity, while goalkeeper Radek Vitek – a Manchester United product who impressed while on loan at Bristol City – bolsters the defensive unit. Fans who felt the club’s investment was lacking in January will now have plenty to celebrate as the new arrivals settle in.
Southampton’s story continues to dominate conversations after their dramatic expulsion from the previous season’s play‑offs due to the Spygate scandal. The club swiftly reaffirmed its faith in manager Tonda Eckert, despite an ongoing FA charge. Player turnover has been minimal; midfielder Shea Charles is the only departure so far.
In contrast, the Saints have secured permanent deals for goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and striker Cyle Larin, both of whom impressed during loan spells in the latter half of last season. The team also faces a four‑point deduction, but their impressive second‑half resurgence last term suggests they possess the quality to remain competitive. Other managerial movements deserve attention. Tony Mowbray returns to Blackburn Rovers after a four‑year absence, while Watford have appointed Italian tactician Alessio Dionisi.
Lincoln City’s successful boss Michael Skubala left to take charge at Bristol City, prompting the Imps to experiment with a joint‑manager model – Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw now share responsibilities at Sincil Bank. Leicester City, a club that celebrated a Premier League title a decade ago, find themselves in League One for only the second time in their history.
Russell Martin has been tasked with halting a dismal sequence of back‑to‑back relegations. He must also win over sceptics after underwhelming spells at Southampton and Rangers. To aid his mission, Leicester have added seasoned professionals such as Liam Cullen, Conor Chaplin and Wes Burns during the summer window. Sheffield Wednesday, now free from the Chansiri era, are under the stewardship of new owner David Storch.
Henrik Pedersen, who guided the Owls through a difficult 2025/26 campaign, has been given the chance to extract more from a squad built with promotion ambitions. Notable signings include promising youngster Louie Barry, whose injury‑hit development at Stockport County hinted at his potential, and veteran midfielder Barry Bannan, returning home after a stint with Millwall. Jack Wilshere’s Luton Town have been tipped as dark horses after a strong finish to the previous season, while Plymouth Argyle have already demonstrated their quality this term, narrowly missing out on the play‑offs despite an impressive start.
Oxford United made a surprising appointment by naming former Tottenham midfielder Aaron Ramsey as manager – his first permanent senior role – after Matt Bloomfield’s unexpected departure. Ramsey’s tenure began under a transfer embargo, preventing him from bolstering the squad, a challenge that will test his resourcefulness. Further changes include Daniel Stendel’s return to Barnsley, Martin Drury taking over at Huddersfield Town, and Jimmy McNulty leaving Rochdale for Stockport after Dave Challinor’s exit. Bromley, who earned promotion to the EFL for the first time in 2024, have now secured back‑to‑back ascents, winning the League Two title and moving into the third tier for the first time.
York City celebrate a return to the EFL after a ten‑year exile, but their celebration was dampened when manager Stuart Maynard – the architect of their 100‑plus‑point promotion – left just weeks before the season began. His successor, Scott Lindsey, has struggled to win over supporters, with a disappointing Carabao Cup exit and vocal fan criticism marking his early days.
Rochdale, who earned automatic promotion from the National League, also faced a managerial vacuum after McNulty’s departure. Ian Watson, formerly of National League North side South Shields, has been appointed to guide the club forward. Salford City, now in their seventh year in League Two, remain eager to break the play‑off final barrier after a narrow defeat to Notts County last season. Former Malaysia national team coach Peter Cklamovski replaces Karl Robinson and has already made significant signings, including Macaulay Langstaff and Luke Molyneux, fueling speculation that the Gary Neville‑David Beckham‑owned club could finally reach League One.
Other notable appointments include Chris Hogg at Northampton Town, Alex Bruce at Rotherham United, Darrell Clarke at Tranmere Rovers, Lee Grant at Walsall and Hayden Mullins at Newport County. The opening weekend will feature a marquee Championship clash between Wolves and Blackburn on Friday night, signalling the start of a season packed with over a thousand live matches across the Championship, League One, League Two, the Carabao Cup and the EFL Trophy.
Sky Sports will also provide free highlights via its app after each round, while the Essential EFL podcast and The EFL Show on Sky Sports News will deliver analysis and debate each Monday from 2 pm. Fans can also try their luck in the Super 6 competition on Saturday, 15 September, with a chance to win £1 million – entry is free. The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the EFL is back with more drama, ambition and opportunity than ever before.