LONDON, Sept. 9 — The 2026/27 EFL Championship season is underway, and for the 24 clubs chasing promotion to the Premier League, the dream now feels closer than ever. This year’s campaign, which began on Friday, August 14, features a structural shake-up that has altered the stakes for every side in the division. At its heart is an expanded play-off format.
Six clubs will now battle for the final promotion spot instead of the usual four, a change that makes the season’s defining prize feel attainable to a wider slice of the table. The reward for those who survive the grind is substantial, but so is the cost of entry.
Each team faces a regular season of 46 games, a demanding schedule that those involved describe as a wild ride and not for the faint-hearted.
A September crammed with fixtures
The early-season calendar has thrown supporters straight into the deep end with a triple gameweek in September, sending all 24 teams into midweek action. The story of this period unfolded on Tuesday, September 8, with eight games played, headlined by Bolton Wanderers against West Ham United at 8pm, shown live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HD.
The same evening saw Blackburn Rovers face Sheffield United, Cardiff City host Stoke City, Southampton take on Swansea City, Watford meet Preston North End, and Wrexham welcome Burnley, all kicking off at 7:45pm on Sky Sports+. Wednesday, September 9, continues the relentless rhythm.
Derby County play West Brom and Norwich City face Birmingham City, both at 7:45pm on Sky Sports+, while Charlton Athletic host QPR at 8pm on the main Sky channels. The pace does not let up into the weekend. Friday, September 11, brings West Ham United against Wrexham at 8pm, with Saturday, September 12, offering a triple header of Bolton Wanderers v Cardiff City, Derby County v Birmingham City, and West Brom v QPR, all at 12:30pm.
Sheffield United take on Wolves on Sunday, September 13, at 12pm on Sky Sports Football.
Free-to-air clashes and derby days
For UK viewers, the season is not confined to subscription channels. A notable free-to-air broadcast arrives on Saturday, September 19, when Millwall host West Ham United at 12:30pm, shown simultaneously on ITV1, STV, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HD, ITVX and STV Player. Another ITV1 and STV fixture follows on Sunday, October 11, with the Southampton v Portsmouth derby at 12pm.
The broadcast schedule stretches deep into the autumn. Tuesday, October 13, features Stoke City against Middlesbrough at 8pm on Sky Sports Football, with Lincoln City hosting West Ham United on Wednesday, October 14, at the same time on the same channel.
The East Lancashire derby between Burnley and Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, November 22, at 12pm is also set for ITV1, STV and Sky Sports Football. The regular season runs until Saturday, May 1, 2027, with the play-off final scheduled for Saturday, May 29, 2027. All kick-off times are UK time and subject to change, but for fans mapping out their viewing across the campaign, the guide offers a complete resource for the months ahead.
