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To secure a spot in the Championship—English soccer's second tier and the division immediately above League One—clubs must first battle through the rigors of League One.
With 24 sides competing over a lengthy and grueling season, League One features hungry newcomers, storied clubs seeking to reclaim their former standing, and relentless competition for every point. Promotion is a coveted reward, but the road there is far from straightforward.
There are two pathways to the Championship. The top two finishers earn automatic promotion, while teams finishing third through sixth compete in the promotion playoffs.
Automatic promotion is relatively straightforward. The playoffs are a different matter entirely.
So, how exactly do the 2026–27 League One playoffs work, and when are they set to take place? Here's everything you need to know.
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How Do the League One Playoffs Work?
Once the League One regular season concludes, the sides finishing third through sixth enter the playoffs to contest the division's remaining promotion berth.
The semifinals are contested over two legs, with third facing sixth and fourth taking on fifth. The higher-placed side hosts the second leg, offering a modest reward for their superior regular-season performance.
Each tie is decided on aggregate. Should the teams remain level after both matches, extra time and, if required, a penalty shootout will determine who progresses.
The two semifinal victors then clash in a one-off final at Wembley Stadium. With Championship promotion on the line, the match proceeds to extra time and penalties if the scores remain level.
When Are the 2026–27 League One Playoffs?
The 2026–27 League One regular season is set to wrap up on Saturday, May 8, 2027, with the final round of fixtures.
The EFL has yet to officially confirm playoff dates, though the semifinals and Wembley final are anticipated to be held later that month, in line with the competition's customary schedule.
Current League One Playoffs, Standings
How Much Is Winning the League One Playoff Final Worth?
Winning the League One playoffs does not come with a direct EFL cash prize, as clubs already receive approximately £2 million ($2.7 million) per year through standard distributions and solidarity payments.
The Wembley final can generate additional matchday income, but the true reward is promotion itself. Moving up to the Championship can boost central funding and solidarity payments to around £11 million ($15 million), while also attracting greater TV revenue and larger attendances.
No instant windfall, then—but promotion can translate into millions.
Who Has the Best League One Playoffs Record?
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Eight clubs have each won the third-tier playoff final on two occasions, placing them among an elite group of multiple winners.
Walsall were the first to achieve the feat back in 2001, while Sheffield Wednesday were the most recent, defeating Barnsley in the 2023 final.
The other six clubs with two League One playoff victories are Peterborough United, Huddersfield Town, Barnsley, Millwall, Rotherham United and Blackpool.