The wait is finally over as football makes it's return with the Championship kicking off this weekend.
The wait is over. After a summer of speculation, transfers, and high-profile managerial changes, the 2025/26 Championship season is finally here.
A blockbuster opening weekend kicks off with 12 live fixtures, including the headline clash between League One record-breakers Birmingham City and newly relegated Ipswich Town.
There is also plenty of drama elsewhere. Relegated Southampton face Hollywood-backed Wrexham, while Sheffield United take on Bristol City in a fiery rematch of last season’s play-off semi-final, and Leicester City, aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League, host a troubled Sheffield Wednesday side grappling with financial instability.
Last season brought fireworks right to the end, as Leeds United clinched the title on goal difference with a stunning 100-point haul which was equelled by Burnley, while Sunderland earned promotion through the play-offs.
At the other end, Cardiff, Plymouth, and Luton slipped into League One, making room for some big arrivals.
In their place come Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton, all relegated from the Premier League, alongside promoted Birmingham, Wrexham, and Charlton.
Championship 2025/26 Odds
Below is a look at the predicted Championship table based on the bookmakers best odds to win the title.
| Position | Team | Title Odds | Promotion Odds | Relegation Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ipswich | 3/1 | 5/4 | 200/1 |
| 2 | Southampton | 11/2 | 7/4 | 80/1 |
| 3 | Birmingham | 7/1 | 2/1 | 66/1 |
| 4 | Sheffield Utd | 8/1 | 9/4 | 100/1 |
| 5 | Coventry | 12/1 | 9/2 | 50/1 |
| 6 | Leicester | 12/1 | 9/2 | 9/1 |
| 7 | Norwich | 16/1 | 6/1 | 25/1 |
| 8 | West Brom | 25/1 | 8/1 | 25/1 |
| 9 | Middlesbrough | 25/1 | 11/2 | 25/1 |
| 10 | Wrexham | 33/1 | 7/1 | 14/1 |
| 11 | Millwall | 40/1 | 10/1 | 8/1 |
| 12 | Watford | 40/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 |
| 13 | Bristol City | 50/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 |
| 14 | Stoke City | 50/1 | 11/1 | 7/1 |
| 15 | Derby County | 50/1 | 12/1 | 6/1 |
| 16 | Swansea | 100/1 | 12/1 | 7/1 |
| 17 | Blackburn | 100/1 | 20/1 | 6/1 |
| 18 | Portsmouth | 100/1 | 25/1 | 5/1 |
| 19 | QPR | 100/1 | 25/1 | 5/1 |
| 20 | Preston | 150/1 | 33/1 | 9/2 |
| 21 | Charlton | 100/1 | 33/1 | 10/3 |
| 22 | Hull | 150/1 | 25/1 | 3/1 |
| 23 | Oxford United | 200/1 | 40/1 | 5/2 |
| 24 | Sheffield Wed | 300/1 | 66/1 | 1/3 |
When does the Championship start? Kick Off Time & TV Channel
The 2025/26 EFL Championship season kicks off on Friday, August 8, with Birmingham City hosting Ipswich Town at 8:00 PM BST.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football, launching a new era of expanded EFL coverage where every club will feature live on Sky Sports+ more than 20 times this season.
It’s a blockbuster opener between League One champions Birmingham, who racked up a record 111 points last term, and an Ipswich side looking to bounce back after a tough Premier League campaign.
