50 Facts About EFL Championship

History and Structure of the EFL Championship

The EFL Championship, often called The Championship, is the second tier of English football. It has a rich history and a well-defined structure that makes it one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

1. The EFL Championship originated from the Football League First Division, established in 1888.
2. The division was rebranded as the Football League Championship in 2004.
3. The original Football League First Division was founded with twelve clubs, with Preston North End as the first champions.
4. Today, the EFL Championship features 24 clubs competing in a home and away format.
5. Each team plays 46 matches per season, earning three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss.

Promotion and Relegation

Promotion and relegation are key aspects of the EFL Championship, adding excitement and stakes to every match.

6. The top two teams in the EFL Championship are automatically promoted to the Premier League.
7. Teams finishing third to sixth enter a playoff tournament, with the winner also earning promotion.
8. The three lowest-finishing teams are relegated to EFL League One.
9. Notable champions include Newcastle United, Reading, Sunderland, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, each with two titles.
10. Leicester City won their second Championship title in the 2023-24 season.

Attendance and Fan Engagement

The EFL Championship boasts impressive attendance figures and passionate fan engagement, making it a vibrant league.

11. The 2016-17 season saw over 11 million cumulative attendance, excluding playoff matches.
12. Newcastle United and Aston Villa drew over two million spectators at their home fixtures in the 2016-17 season.
13. The COVID-19 pandemic halted the 2019-20 season on March 13, 2020, resuming on June 20, 2020.
14. Leeds United were confirmed as champions on July 17, 2020, after the season restart.
15. Leicester City are the current champions as of the 2023-24 season.

Broadcasting and Media

Television and media partnerships play a crucial role in bringing the EFL Championship to a global audience.

16. Sky Sports is a major TV partner, broadcasting live matches and highlights.
17. The official EFL Championship website provides fixtures, results, and statistics.
18. Clubs in the EFL Championship also compete in domestic cups like the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
19. Top six finishers can qualify for international competitions like the UEFA Europa League.
20. The Championship playoffs culminate in a final at Wembley Stadium, with the winner promoted to the Premier League.

Managerial Changes and Player Development

Managerial changes and player development are constant in the EFL Championship, reflecting the dynamic nature of the league.

21. Recent managerial appointments include Frank Lampard at Coventry City and Jack Wilshere at Norwich City.
22. Disciplinary issues, such as alleged biting incidents, have occurred, like Preston's Milutin Osmajic's eight-game suspension.
23. The league serves as a feeder system for the Premier League, with many players moving up.
24. Financial implications of player transfers can be substantial for both buying and selling clubs.
25. Fan engagement is crucial, with many clubs enjoying strong support from local communities.

Financial and Regulatory Aspects

Financial stability and regulatory frameworks ensure the EFL Championship remains competitive and sustainable.

26. The league provides a platform for teams to generate revenue through matchday attendance, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships.
27. The Football Governance Bill aims to introduce an independent football regulator.
28. Financial fair play regulations require clubs to manage their finances effectively.
29. Sponsorship deals, like those with Sky Bet, help generate revenue.
30. TV broadcasts by Sky Sports and others provide extensive coverage, attracting new fans.

Historical Significance and Milestones

The EFL Championship has a rich history and several significant milestones that have shaped its identity.

31. The league has evolved since its early days, adapting to changes in the sport.
32. The English football league system is structured into several tiers, with the Championship as the second tier.
33. The promotion pathway ensures the best teams have a chance to move up the pyramid.
34. Relegation risks motivate teams to perform well and avoid dropping to EFL League One.
35. Financial fair play regulations ensure long-term sustainability.

Fan Culture and International Recognition

Fan culture and international recognition are vital aspects of the EFL Championship, contributing to its popularity and global reach.

36. Local derbies and matches against rival teams create intense atmospheres.
37. Managerial experience from the Premier League helps teams navigate challenges.
38. The league serves as a platform for player development, with many young players gaining valuable experience.
39. Attendance records are often broken, reflecting the league's popularity.
40. Financial stability is essential for clubs, supported by matchday attendance, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships.

Sponsorship and Broadcasting

Sponsorship deals and TV broadcasts are crucial for the financial stability and promotion of the EFL Championship.

41. Sponsorship partners, like Sky Bet, help generate revenue.
42. TV broadcasts by Sky Sports and others provide extensive coverage.
43. International recognition attracts attention from scouts and fans worldwide.
44. Fan culture is vibrant, with passionate support from local communities.
45. Managerial experience from the Premier League helps teams navigate challenges.

Player Transfers and Loans

Player transfers and loans are common in the EFL Championship, maintaining the competitive balance of the league.

46. Clubs often loan players from the Premier League or other top-tier leagues.
47. Fan engagement initiatives, like social media campaigns and community programs, help build a strong fan base.
48. Historical milestones, like Leeds United's 2019-20 title win, highlight the league's significance.
49. Managerial appointments, like Frank Lampard at Coventry City, reflect the competitive nature of the league.
50. Disciplinary actions ensure the league remains competitive and fair.

The EFL Championship: A Vital Part of English Football

The EFL Championship stands as a cornerstone of English football, offering a competitive platform for 24 clubs. With its rich history dating back to 1888, the league has evolved, adapting to modern football's demands while maintaining its core traditions. The structure, featuring promotion to the Premier League and relegation to EFL League One, ensures a dynamic and thrilling competition each season. High attendance figures and passionate fan culture highlight the league's popularity. Financial stability, driven by TV broadcasts and sponsorship deals, supports the clubs' sustainability. The Championship also serves as a breeding ground for managerial talent and player development, contributing significantly to the broader football ecosystem. Its role in English football is indispensable, providing excitement, opportunity, and a pathway to the top tier. The EFL Championship remains a vital, vibrant part of the sport.