2026-27 EFL Championship Analysis, Winner Odds & Promotion Favorites
- West Ham and Wolves dominate the betting to gain promotion back to the Premier League at the first opportunity.
- Southampton deducted four points following Spygate.
- Burnley chasing a third promotion in five seasons.
While all eyes will be on England’s top division in 2026-27, the drama of the EFL is beginning to catch the attention of global audiences.
American interest in the EFL Championship reached new heights last term, due in no small part to Tom Brady’s involvement at Birmingham City and the Hollywood story of Wrexham under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
A star-studded Championship campaign is expected in 2026-27, with Wolves and West Ham back in the second tier. You can find the latest EFL Championship soccer odds as well as more information about the promotion favorites here.
2026-27 EFL Championship Odds
| Team | To Win Championship Odds | Promotion Odds |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham | +175 | -200 |
| Wolves | +500 | +162 |
| Middlesbrough | +950 | +250 |
| Southampton | +1200 | +400 |
| Burnley | +1200 | +300 |
| Norwich | +1600 | +550 |
| Birmingham City | +1800 | +400 |
| Sheffield United | +2000 | +500 |
| Wrexham | +2200 | +550 |
| Millwall | +3300 | +700 |
| Derby County | +3300 | +800 |
ALSO SEE: Premier League 2026/27: Our Experts Make Their Winner, Relegation, and Top Scorer Picks
What’s New in the EFL Championship in 2026-27?
A new season brings with it new opportunities in the EFL Championship, as for the first time in history, there will be six playoff places up for grabs.
Traditionally, only teams placed between third and sixth would compete in the dramatic playoffs at the end of the season, but this has been increased in 2026-27.
Therefore, there will be drama until the very final day of the season this term, as teams sitting in mid-table could still be in the hunt for promotion to the Premier League.
EFL Championship Promotion Contenders
West Ham
Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham are red-hot favorites to bounce back to the Premier League at the first opportunity in 2026-27. Retaining the services of England international Jarrod Bowen is a major coup, with the attacker scoring an impressive nine goals in 38 appearances in the Premier League in 2025-26. A squad brimming with EPL quality makes them the team to beat in the second tier.
Wolves
Another of the relegated teams from last season that dominate the betting is Wolves. A summer overhaul was required after a miserable campaign in the top-flight, and the signings of Mexican World Cup hero Raul Jimenez and England star Kieran Trippier catch the eye. Expect Mateus Mane to be one of the standout players after registering four goal involvements in the EPL in his breakout year in 2025-26.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough were engulfed in the Spygate scandal at the end of last season, with Southampton expelled from the playoffs and Boro reinstated before an eventual final loss against Hull City. Another promotion push is expected under the management of Kim Hellberg, and notable business has been completed, which includes the signings of former MLS stars Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten.
Who Could Be A Surprise Package In The EFL Championship Promotion Race?
Hull City showed in 2025-26 that shocks can happen when the promise of Premier League soccer hangs in the balance. Therefore, teams at bigger odds shouldn’t be discounted.
Among those is Norwich City (available at +550 with BetOnline). Under Philippe Clement, the Canaries excelled in the second half of the season, winning eight of their last 13, and losing just seven of their 23 fixtures in the second half of the campaign.
West Brom (available at +900) could also be set for a revival after a disastrous campaign in 2025-26. James Morrison is a reliable choice to guide the club into the new season, and exciting times could be ahead following the signings of highly touted players such as Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Felix Horn Myhre, and Rabby Nzingoula.
EFL Championship Milestones & Record Holders
- Most Promotions: Norwich City, West Brom, Leicester, Burnley (4)
- Record-Breaking Points Haul: Reading (106)
- Top Scoring Season: Aleksandar Mitrovic (43, Fulham 2021-22)
EFL Championship Recent Results
| Season | Champions | Runners-Up | Playoff Winners |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Coventry City | Ipswich Town | Hull City |
| 2024-25 | Leeds United | Burnley | Sunderland |
| 2023-24 | Leicester City | Ipswich Town | Southampton |
| 2022-23 | Burnley | Sheffield United | Luton Town |
| 2021-22 | Fulham | Bournemouth | Nottingham Forest |
