About EFL Championship

The EFL Championship (commonly referred to as the "Championship") is the second-tier professional football league in England, ranking below the Premier League, with one season held annually.

League History

The predecessor of the Championship, the Football League Second Division, was officially established in 1892. Small Heath Alliance F.C. (later renamed Birmingham City F.C.) won the first title. In 1992, with the formation of the Premier League, the Football League Second Division was renamed the Football League First Division. For the 2004–05 season, it was rebranded as the EFL Championship (shortened to "Championship").

In the 2010–11 season, Birmingham City F.C., a Championship team, pulled off an upset by winning the EFL Cup, becoming the first Championship side to qualify for the UEFA Cup.

In the 2012–13 season, Wigan Athletic F.C., another Championship team, claimed the FA Cup title, making them the second Championship club to reach the UEFA Europa League group stage.

Current Situation

For the 2024–25 Championship season, Leeds United F.C. and Burnley F.C. gained direct promotion to the Premier League, while Luton Town F.C., Plymouth Argyle F.C., and Cardiff City F.C. were relegated to League One.

As of 2025, Leicester City F.C. tops the Championship’s all-time title list with 8 wins, followed by Manchester City F.C. with 7 championships.