List of EFL Championship clubs
Appearance
The following is a list of clubs who have played in the English Football League: Championship at any time since its formation in 2004 to the current season.
Table
[edit]EFL Championship teams confirmed to be playing in the 2026–27 EFL Championship season are indicated in bold. If the longest spell is the current spell, this is indicated in bold, and if the highest finish is that of the most recent season, this is also in bold. A total of 59 teams have played in the Championship.
All statistics here refer to time in the EFL Championship only, with the exception of 'Most recent finish' which refers to all levels of play, and 'Last promotion' which refers to the club's last promotion from the third tier of English football.
| Club | Town or city | Total seasons |
Total spells |
Longest spell |
Promotion to league |
Promotion from league |
Relegation to league |
Relegation from league |
Years | Most recent finish |
Highest finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | Birmingham | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1971–72 | 2018–19 | 2015–16 | Never Relegated | 2016–2019 | 4th Premier League | 4th |
| Barnsley | Barnsley | 13 | 3 | 8 | 2018–19 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2021–22 | 2006–2014 2016–2018 2019–2022 | 15th League One | 5th |
| Birmingham City | Birmingham | 17 | 4 | 13 | 2024–25 | 2008–09 | 2010–11 | 2023–24 | 2006–2007 2008–2009 2011–2024 2025– | 10th | 2nd |
| Blackburn Rovers | Blackburn | 14 | 2 | 9 | 2017–18 | Never Promoted | 2011–12 | 2016–17 | 2012–2017 2018– | 20th | 7th |
| Blackpool | Blackpool | 9 | 3 | 4 | 2020–21 | 2009–10 | 2010–11 | 2022–23 | 2007–2010 2011–2015 2021–2023 | 13th League One | 5th |
| Bolton Wanderers | Bolton | 7 | 3 | 4 | 2025–26 | Never Promoted | 2011–12 | 2018–19 | 2012–2016 2017–2019 2026– | 5th (promoted) League One | 7th |
| Bournemouth | Bournemouth | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2012–13 | 2021–22 | 2019–20 | Never Relegated | 2013–2015 2020–2022 | 6th Premier League | 1st |
| Brentford | London | 7 | 1 | 7 | 2013–14 | 2020–21 | Never Relegated | Never Relegated | 2014–2021 | 9th Premier League | 3rd |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | Brighton | 8 | 2 | 6 | 2010–11 | 2016–17 | Never Relegated | 2005–06 | 2004–2006 2011–2017 | 8th Premier League | 2nd |
| Bristol City | Bristol | 18 | 2 | 12 | 2014–15 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2012–13 | 2007–2013 2015– | 12th | 4th |
| Burnley | Burnley | 13 | 6 | 5 | 1993–94 | 2024–25 | 2025–26 | Never Relegated | 2004–2009 2010–2014 2015–2016 2022–2023 2024–2025 2026– | 19th (relegated) Premier League | 1st |
| Burton Albion | Burton | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2015–16 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2017–18 | 2016–2018 | 17th League One | 20th |
| Cardiff City | Cardiff | 20 | 4 | 9 | 2025–26 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2024–25 | 2004–2013 2014–2018 2019–2025 2026– | 2nd (promoted) League One | 1st |
| Charlton Athletic | London | 9 | 4 | 4 | 2024–25 | Never Promoted | 2006–07 | 2019–20 | 2007–2009 2012–2016 2019–2020 2025– | 19th | 9th |
| Colchester United | Colchester | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2005–06 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2007–08 | 2006–2008 | 12th League Two | 10th |
| Coventry City | Coventry | 14 | 2 | 8 | 2019–20 | 2025–26 | Never Relegated | 2011–12 | 2004–2012 2020–2026 | 1st (promoted) | 1st |
| Crewe Alexandra | Crewe | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2002–03 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2005–06 | 2004–2006 | 11th League Two | 21st |
| Crystal Palace | London | 8 | 1 | 8 | 1978–79 | 2012–13 | 2004–05 | Never Relegated | 2005–2013 | 15th Premier League | 5th |
| Derby County | Derby | 20 | 3 | 14 | 2023–24 | 2006–07 | 2007–08 | 2021–22 | 2004–2007 2008–2022 2024– | 8th | 3rd |
| Doncaster Rovers | Doncaster | 5 | 2 | 4 | 2012–13 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2013–14 | 2008–2012 2013–2014 | 14th League One | 12th |
| Fulham | London | 6 | 3 | 4 | 1998–99 | 2021–22 | 2020–21 | Never Relegated | 2014–2018 2019–2020 2021–2022 | 11th Premier League | 1st |
| Gillingham | Gillingham | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1999–2000 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2004–05 | 2004–2005 | 17th League Two | 22nd |
| Huddersfield Town | Huddersfield | 10 | 2 | 5 | 2011–12 | 2016–17 | 2018–19 | 2023–24 | 2012–2017 2019–2024 | 9th League One | 3rd |
| Hull City | Hull | 15 | 5 | 5 | 2020–21 | 2025–26 | 2016–17 | 2019–20 | 2005–2008 2010–2013 2015–2016 2017–2020 2021–2026 | 6th (promoted) | 2nd |
| Ipswich Town | Ipswich | 17 | 3 | 15 | 2022–23 | 2025–26 | 2024–25 | 2018–19 | 2004–2019 2023–2024 2025–2026 | 2nd (promoted) | 2nd |
| Leeds United | Leeds | 15 | 3 | 10 | 2009–10 | 2024–25 | 2022–23 | 2006–07 | 2004–2007 2010–2020 2023–2025 | 14th Premier League | 1st |
| Leicester City | Leicester | 11 | 4 | 5 | 2008–09 | 2023–24 | 2024–25 | 2025–26 | 2004–2008 2009–2014 2023–2024 2025–2026 | 23rd (relegated) | 1st |
| Lincoln City | Lincoln | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2025–26 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | Never Relegated | 2026– | 1st (promoted) League One | N/a |
| Luton Town | Luton | 7 | 3 | 4 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 | 2024–25 | 2005–2007 2019–2023 2024–2025 | 7th League One | 3rd |
| Middlesbrough | Middlesbrough | 17 | 2 | 10 | 1986–87 | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | Never Relegated | 2009–2016 2017– | 5th | 2nd |
| Millwall | London | 17 | 3 | 10 | 2016–17 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2014–15 | 2004–2006 2010–2015 2017– | 3rd | 3rd |
| Milton Keynes Dons | Milton Keynes | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2014–15 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2015–16 | 2015–2016 | 2nd (promoted) League Two | 23rd |
| Newcastle United | Newcastle | 2 | 2 | 1 | Never Promoted | 2016–17 | 2015–16 | Never Relegated | 2009–2010 2016–2017 | 12th Premier League | 1st |
| Norwich City | Norwich | 15 | 6 | 5 | 2009–10 | 2020–21 | 2021–22 | 2008–09 | 2005–2009 2010–2011 2014–2015 2016–2019 2020–2021 2022– | 9th | 1st |
| Nottingham Forest | Nottingham | 15 | 2 | 14 | 2007–08 | 2021–22 | Never Relegated | 2004–05 | 2004–2005 2008–2022 | 16th Premier League | 3rd |
| Oxford United | Oxford | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2023–24 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2025–26 | 2024–2026 | 22nd (relegated) | 17th |
| Peterborough United | Peterborough | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2020–21 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2021–22 | 2009–2010 2011–2013 2021–2022 | 18th League One | 18th |
| Plymouth Argyle | Plymouth | 8 | 2 | 6 | 2022–23 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2024–25 | 2004–2010 2023–2025 | 8th League One | 10th |
| Portsmouth | Portsmouth | 5 | 2 | 3 | 2023–24 | Never Promoted | 2009–10 | 2011–12 | 2010–2012 2024– | 18th | 16th |
| Preston North End | Preston | 19 | 2 | 12 | 2014–15 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2010–11 | 2004–2011 2015– | 14th | 4th |
| Queens Park Rangers | London | 20 | 3 | 12 | 2003–04 | 2013–14 | 2014–15 | Never Relegated | 2004–2011 2013–2014 2015– | 15th | 1st |
| Reading | Reading | 16 | 3 | 10 | 2001–02 | 2011–12 | 2012–13 | 2022–23 | 2004–2006 2008–2012 2013–2023 | 12th League One | 1st |
| Rotherham United | Rotherham | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2021–22 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2023–24 | 2004–2005 2014–2017 2018–2019 2020–2021 2022–2024 | 23rd (relegated) League One | 19th |
| Scunthorpe United | Scunthorpe | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2008–09 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2010–11 | 2007–2008 2009–2011 | 5th National League | 20th |
| Sheffield United | Sheffield | 13 | 5 | 4 | 2016–17 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 | 2010–11 | 2004–2006 2007–2011 2017–2019 2021–2023 2024– | 13th | 2nd |
| Sheffield Wednesday | Sheffield | 17 | 3 | 9 | 2022–23 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2025–26 | 2005–2010 2012–2021 2023–2026 | 24th (relegated) | 4th |
| Southampton | Southampton | 8 | 4 | 4 | 2010–11 | 2023–24 | 2024–25 | 2008–09 | 2005–2009 2011–2012 2023–2024 2025– | 4th | 2nd |
| Southend United | Southend-on-Sea | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2005–06 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2006–07 | 2006–2007 | 6th National League | 22nd |
| Stoke City | Stoke | 13 | 2 | 9 | 2001–02 | 2007–08 | 2017–18 | Never Relegated | 2004–2008 2018– | 17th | 2nd |
| Sunderland | Sunderland | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2021–22 | 2024–25 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2004–2005 2006–2007 2017–2018 2022–2025 | 7th Premier League | 1st |
| Swansea City | Swansea | 12 | 2 | 9 | 2007–08 | 2010–11 | 2017–18 | Never Relegated | 2008–2011 2018– | 11th | 3rd |
| Watford | Watford | 16 | 4 | 8 | 1997–98 | 2020–21 | 2021–22 | Never Relegated | 2004–2006 2007–2015 2020–2021 2022– | 16th | 2nd |
| West Bromwich Albion | West Bromwich | 11 | 4 | 6 | 1992–93 | 2019–20 | 2020–21 | Never Relegated | 2006–2008 2009–2010 2018–2020 2021– | 21st | 1st |
| West Ham United | London | 3 | 3 | 1 | Never Promoted | 2011–12 | 2025–26 | Never Relegated | 2004–2005 2011–2012 2026– | 18th (relegated) Premier League | 3rd |
| Wigan Athletic | Wigan | 7 | 5 | 2 | 2021–22 | 2004–05 | 2012–13 | 2022–23 | 2004–2005 2013–2015 2016–2017 2018–2020 2022–2023 | 16th League One | 2nd |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | Wolverhampton | 11 | 4 | 5 | 2013–14 | 2017–18 | 2025–26 | 2012–13 | 2004–2009 2012–2013 2014–2018 2026– | 20th (relegated) Premier League | 1st |
| Wrexham | Wrexham | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2024–25 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | Never Relegated | 2025– | 7th | 7th |
| Wycombe Wanderers | High Wycombe | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2019–20 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2020–21 | 2020–2021 | 11th League One | 22nd |
| Yeovil Town | Yeovil | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2012–13 | Never Promoted | Never Relegated | 2013–14 | 2013–2014 | 16th National League | 24th |
Chart
[edit]
Overview of clubs by season
[edit]| Champions | Runners-up | Promoted via play-offs | Relegated |
| Club | 04 05 |
05 06 |
06 07 |
07 08 |
08 09 |
09 10 |
10 11 |
11 12 |
12 13 |
13 14 |
14 15 |
15 16 |
16 17 |
17 18 |
18 19 |
19 20 |
20 21 |
21 22 |
22 23 |
23 24 |
24 25 |
25 26 |
26 27 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | 13 | 4 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Barnsley | 20 | 18 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 21 | 21 | 23 | 14 | 22 | 21 | 5 | 24 | ||||||||||
| Birmingham City | 2 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 21 | 10 | 10 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 20 | 18 | 20 | 17 | 22 | 10 | |||||||
| Blackburn Rovers | 17 | 8 | 9 | 15 | 22 | 15 | 11 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 19 | 7 | 20 | ||||||||||
| Blackpool | 19 | 16 | 6 | 5 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 16 | 23 | ||||||||||||||
| Bolton Wanderers | 7 | 14 | 18 | 24 | 21 | 23 | |||||||||||||||||
| Bournemouth | 10 | 1 | 6 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Brentford | 5 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 20 | 24 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 20 | 3 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
| Bristol City | 4 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 18 | 17 | 11 | 8 | 12 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 6 | 12 | ||||||
| Burnley | 13 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||
| Burton Albion | 20 | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cardiff City | 16 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 11 | 8 | 12 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 18 | 21 | 12 | 24 | ||||
| Charlton Athletic | 11 | 24 | 9 | 18 | 12 | 22 | 22 | 19 | |||||||||||||||
| Colchester United | 10 | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Coventry City | 19 | 8 | 17 | 21 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 23 | 16 | 12 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 1 | |||||||||
| Crewe Alexandra | 21 | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Crystal Palace | 6 | 12 | 5 | 15 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 5 | |||||||||||||||
| Derby County | 4 | 20 | 3 | 18 | 14 | 19 | 12 | 10 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 21 | 23 | 19 | 8 | ||||
| Doncaster Rovers | 14 | 12 | 21 | 24 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fulham | 17 | 20 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Gillingham | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Huddersfield Town | 19 | 17 | 16 | 19 | 5 | 18 | 20 | 3 | 18 | 23 | |||||||||||||
| Hull City | 18 | 21 | 3 | 11 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 13 | 24 | 19 | 15 | 7 | 21 | 6 | ||||||||
| Ipswich Town | 3 | 15 | 14 | 8 | 9 | 15 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 16 | 12 | 24 | 2 | 2 | ||||||
| Leeds United | 14 | 5 | 24 | 7 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 7 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | ||||||||
| Leicester City | 15 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 23 | ||||||||||||
| Lincoln City | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luton Town | 10 | 23 | 19 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||
| Middlesbrough | 11 | 12 | 7 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 5 | |||||||
| Millwall | 10 | 23 | 9 | 16 | 20 | 19 | 22 | 8 | 21 | 8 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 13 | 8 | 3 | |||||||
| Milton Keynes Dons | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Newcastle United | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Norwich City | 9 | 16 | 17 | 22 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 6 | 13 | 9 | |||||||||
| Nottingham Forest | 23 | 19 | 3 | 6 | 19 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 21 | 17 | 9 | 7 | 17 | 4 | ||||||||
| Oxford United | 17 | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Peterborough United | 24 | 18 | 22 | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Plymouth Argyle | 17 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 21 | 23 | 21 | 23 | |||||||||||||||
| Portsmouth | 16 | 22 | 16 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Preston North End | 5 | 4 | 7 | 15 | 6 | 17 | 22 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 14 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 20 | 14 | |||||
| Queens Park Rangers | 11 | 21 | 18 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 12 | 18 | 16 | 19 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 15 | ||||
| Reading | 7 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 7 | 19 | 17 | 3 | 20 | 20 | 14 | 7 | 21 | 22 | |||||||
| Rotherham United | 24 | 21 | 21 | 24 | 22 | 23 | 19 | 24 | |||||||||||||||
| Scunthorpe United | 23 | 20 | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sheffield United | 8 | 2 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 23 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 13 | |||||||||||
| Sheffield Wednesday | 19 | 9 | 16 | 12 | 22 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 6 | 4 | 15 | 12 | 16 | 24 | 20 | 12 | 24 | ||||||
| Southampton | 12 | 6 | 20 | 23 | 2 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| Southend United | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stoke City | 12 | 13 | 8 | 2 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | |||||||||||
| Sunderland | 1 | 1 | 24 | 6 | 16 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Swansea City | 8 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 15 | 10 | 14 | 11 | 11 | ||||||||||||
| Watford | 18 | 3 | 6 | 13 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 3 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 15 | 14 | 16 | ||||||||
| West Bromwich Albion | 4 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 21 | |||||||||||||
| West Ham United | 6 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Wigan Athletic | 2 | 5 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 23 | 24 | ||||||||||||||||
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 9 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 23 | 7 | 14 | 15 | 1 | |||||||||||||
| Wrexham | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wycombe Wanderers | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Yeovil Town | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club | 04 05 |
05 06 |
06 07 |
07 08 |
08 09 |
09 10 |
10 11 |
11 12 |
12 13 |
13 14 |
14 15 |
15 16 |
16 17 |
17 18 |
18 19 |
19 20 |
20 21 |
21 22 |
22 23 |
23 24 |
24 25 |
25 26 |
26 27 |