The Championship Play-Off Final showcases one of football’s most lucrative showdowns, with Sheffield United and Sunderland competing for a Premier League spot worth at least £220 million. Both teams earned their Wembley places through different paths. Sheffield United’s impressive 6-0 aggregate victory dominated Bristol City, while Sunderland’s Dan Ballard scored a dramatic last-minute header in extra-time to edge past Coventry City 3-2.
Sheffield United’s playoff record shows zero goals in their four finals and defeats in all nine campaigns. The Blades’ third-place finish in the regular season gives them an advantage, as 45% of playoff winners have historically come from this position. The EFL Championship Play-Off Final kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 24, where Sunderland aims to secure their second playoff promotion. Fans can purchase Championship Play-Off Final tickets through official channels, and Wembley’s Championship Play-Off Final tickets will be in high demand given the massive stakes.
Sheffield United and Sunderland secure spots in Wembley final
The Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley on May 24, 2025 will feature Sheffield United and Sunderland after both clubs earned their spots through vastly different paths. These storied clubs made their way to the final showpiece – Sheffield United with commanding displays and Sunderland with heart-stopping drama.
Sheffield United dominate Bristol City in semi-final
Sheffield United’s emphatic performance broke Championship records as they secured their Wembley spot. Chris Wilder’s squad crushed Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate with matching 3-0 victories in both legs. This stunning result set a new standard as the biggest winning margin in Championship play-off history.
Bristol City’s Rob Dickie saw a straight red card at Ashton Gate in the first leg. Harrison Burrows stepped up to convert the resulting penalty just before halftime. Andre Brooks added an acrobatic finish before Callum O’Hare put the finishing touches on a commanding victory.
The Bramall Lane return leg mirrored the first match. Kieffer Moore’s header in the 41st minute crushed Bristol City’s comeback hopes. Gustavo Hamer’s deflected shot doubled the lead after the break, and O’Hare grabbed his second goal of the tie to complete the scoring.
“We’ve done OK over these last two games,” Wilder said after progressing. “It’s a one-off and it will bring the noise, excitement and everything a Wembley final brings”. Sheffield United now faces the challenge of overcoming their difficult history, having failed in all nine previous play-off campaigns.
Sunderland edge Coventry in dramatic extra-time finish
Sunderland’s journey to Wembley proved much more nerve-wracking against Frank Lampard’s Coventry City. Wilson Isidor and birthday boy Eliezer Mayenda scored to secure a 2-1 first-leg advantage. The Black Cats then weathered intense pressure in the return match at the Stadium of Light.
Coventry’s Ephron Mason-Clark changed the game’s complexion by volleying home Milan Van Ewijk’s cross in the 76th minute, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2. Both teams battled through a tense extra time period with Wembley glory at stake.
Daniel Ballard became Sunderland’s hero in the 123rd minute. He met Enzo Le Fee’s corner with a powerful header that crashed off the underside of the crossbar. The 46,530 fans packed into the Stadium of Light erupted in celebration.
“It’s what dreams are made of, really,” Ballard told Sky Sports with joy. “The fans today were absolutely incredible. It was just feeling like it wasn’t going to be our day. All the lads were desperate to give them something to celebrate”.
The semi-final between these teams set an EFL record for the highest-attended two-legged Play-Off Semi-Final with 77,823 spectators combined. This massive turnout showed the Championship Play-Off Final’s huge appeal.
Wembley will now host an exciting clash between two former Premier League clubs. Sunderland aims to return to the top flight for the first time since 2017, while Sheffield United seeks immediate redemption after last season’s relegation.
When is the Championship Play-Off Final and how to watch it?
Football fans can now plan their trip to Wembley as the Championship Play-Off Final details between Sheffield United and Sunderland are confirmed. This match will decide which club gets the last Premier League spot for the 2025/26 season. Many call it “the richest game in football.”
Championship Play-Off Final date and kick-off time
The 2024/25 EFL Championship Play-Off Final will take place at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The iconic 90,000-seat venue usually sells out for this promotion-deciding match. The EFL hasn’t confirmed the exact kick-off time yet, but US viewers can catch the action at 10am Eastern Time.
Past Championship Play-Off Finals have started at different times. Recent finals kicked off at 3pm or 4:45pm. The Saturday slot helps both teams’ fans make travel plans easily, and the atmosphere at the national stadium promises to be electric.
TV channels and live stream options
You’ll find plenty of ways to watch the championship play off final. Sky Sports leads the UK coverage, showing the match on Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR for the best picture quality.
Don’t have Sky? NOW offers some great alternatives without long contracts. You can get a day pass for £14.99 or monthly access for £34.99. Watch through the NOW app on your TV, phone, tablet, computer, or gaming console.
Fans worldwide won’t miss out either. US viewers can tune in through Paramount+, which shows all EFL playoff games. ESPN+ showed these matches in previous seasons, costing about £7.93 monthly or £79.41 yearly.
ITV also shows five Championship matches from the season’s second half, and this might include key play-off games.
Radio and digital coverage details
The game will reach radio listeners everywhere. talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will broadcast live commentary of the championship play off final. You can listen through their website’s stream, app, DAB digital radio, smart speakers, or AM radio (1089 or 1053 AM).
BBC Radio stations, especially those near the competing clubs, usually provide match coverage. Previous finals featured full commentary with pre-game buildup and post-match discussion.
Digital options give you more flexibility. Sky Sports customers can stream through Sky Go on their devices. The EFL’s international broadcast partners bring the action to fans worldwide.
Check your club’s website as the match approaches for special viewing events or extra content around this big day.
How can fans get Championship Play-Off Final tickets?
Fans of Sheffield United and Sunderland need to act fast to get their tickets for the championship play off final at Wembley. This prestigious showdown will be a big deal as it means that ticket supply won’t meet the high interest from supporters. Both clubs have received large allocations and set clear guidelines for fans who want to see this vital promotion decider.
Ticket allocation for both clubs
Sheffield United received 35,531 tickets at Wembley Stadium’s East End, which stretches from the North Stand to the South Stand. Sunderland AFC got a similar 35,531 tickets but for the West Stand. The Black Cats will return to the same end where they celebrated their League One play-off final win against Wycombe Wanderers in 2023. This split will give a balanced presence to both clubs’ supporters at the national stadium. Sheffield United fans should note that the Green Man pub won’t be their designated spot.
Wembley Championship Play-Off Final ticket prices
The efl championship play off final tickets are hosted in five price categories, with concessions available across all sections. Prices vary by a lot based on where you sit:
Category 1: Adults £105, Young Adults (17-21) £78.75, Concessions £52.50
Category 2: Adults £82, Young Adults £61.50, Concessions £41
Category 3: Adults £67, Young Adults £50.25, Concessions £33.50
Category 4: Adults £54, Young Adults £40.50, Concessions £27
Category 5: Adults £37, Young Adults £27.75, Concessions £18.50
The stadium offers 867 safe standing spaces behind the net on level one, which fall under Category 3 pricing. Sheffield United fans will pay a £2 booking fee per seat, while Sunderland supporters face a £3 fee plus a £3 transaction charge. It’s worth mentioning that children under age 2 can’t enter the stadium.
Where to buy tickets and official sources
Both clubs have set up phased sales periods that prioritize season ticket holders. Sheffield United started sales on Wednesday, May 14 at 12 noon for 2024/25 season ticket holders. Membership card holders can buy from Friday, May 16 at 9am. Fans with previous purchase history and minimum 200 loyalty points get their chance from Friday, May 16 at 1pm.
Sunderland’s phase one sales kicked off Wednesday, May 14 at 12 noon for 2024/25 season ticket holders. Phase two includes new 2025-26 season ticket holders and 2024-25 six-game package holders starting Friday, May 16 at 9am.
Tickets are available online only – Sheffield United fans should visit tickets.sufc.co.uk while Sunderland supporters need to use eticketing.co.uk/safc. Neither club sells tickets by phone or at their ticket offices. Disabled access tickets follow the same sale periods but have special application processes[132].
Eligible supporters can buy one ticket per customer number. Fans should know that tickets can’t be moved or changed once bought. Sheffield United supporters will earn 50 loyalty points with their purchase.
What’s at stake in the EFL Championship Play-Off Final?
The EFL Championship play-off final is more than just a battle for sporting glory. Maybe it’s the most valuable single match in world football. Sheffield United and Sunderland will compete at Wembley for a prize that’s way beyond the reach and influence of promotion itself.
Premier League promotion prize money
The play-off final winner’s immediate windfall is mind-boggling. The winning club will pocket around £170 million over three seasons, even if they drop back down after just one year in the top flight. This figure jumps to £300 million if they stay in the Premier League for a second season. This prize money tops anything you’d get from winning the Champions League, World Cup, or any other tournament.
Broadcast revenue and commercial rights
Broadcast income makes up the biggest chunk of this massive payday. Premier League clubs share domestic TV revenue equally – about £31.8 million per club. The international broadcast income adds another £50 million per club. Teams also get merit payments based on their final league position, ranging from £2.2 million for last place to £44 million for the champions.
Premier League promotion opens up huge commercial possibilities. Clubs see their sponsorship values skyrocket. Merchandise sales and global marketing potential explode, thanks to the competition’s worldwide audience of over 3 billion viewers across 188 countries.
Parachute payments and long-term financial impact
Relegated clubs don’t leave empty-handed. They receive “parachute payments” – about 55% of broadcast revenue share in the first year after relegation, 45% in year two, and 20% in year three. These payments help soften the financial hit of dropping out.
Winning the play-off final means more than just immediate cash. It’s a chance to build Premier League stability, improve facilities, sign better players, and create a strong future for the club.
How do Sheffield United and Sunderland compare historically?
The Championship playoff final is just around the corner, and these two clubs’ history books tell an amazing story of contrasts and similarities that could shape their Wembley clash.
Head-to-head record this season
Both finalists split their league meetings this season. Sunderland grabbed a 2-1 home win on January 1, 2025, while Sheffield United had earlier clinched a 1-0 victory at Bramall Lane on November 29, 2024. Sheffield United holds a slight edge with 7 wins to Sunderland’s 6 in their last 13 matches. The teams’ recent battles have been decisive affairs without draws, which suggests they both prefer an attacking style when they meet.
All-time Championship Play-Off Final stats
Sheffield United brings one of football’s most heartbreaking playoff records to this final. The Blades haven’t succeeded in any of their nine playoff attempts and haven’t found the net in their four playoff finals. This playoff jinx has followed them through Championship and League One, with five failed attempts in the second tier. Sunderland’s last Championship playoff final appearance came in May 2019, where they lost to Charlton Athletic in a thrilling 4-4 extra-time draw that ended 7-6 on penalties. All the same, Sheffield United can take heart from history – teams finishing third have won 45% of playoffs (9 out of 20).
Previous promotion campaigns and outcomes
Sheffield United aims to bounce straight back to the Premier League after last season’s relegation. The Blades just missed automatic promotion after Leeds United and Burnley locked up the top two spots. Sunderland’s Premier League drought has lasted since 2017, making it eight years away from top-flight football. The Black Cats’ history includes nine successful promotion campaigns, with Roy Keane’s memorable Premier League return standing out. Now these clubs are just 90 minutes away from writing another golden chapter in their promotion stories.
Championship Play-Off Final – The Conclusion
The stage is set for an electrifying Championship Play-Off Final between Sheffield United and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium on May 24. Without doubt, both clubs have showed they deserve to be there through different experiences. Sheffield United smashed records with their 6-0 total victory over Bristol City, while Sunderland grabbed their spot dramatically when Ballard headed in at the last moment against Coventry.
Money talks in this game – the winner gets Premier League promotion worth £170 million right away, which could grow to £300 million if they stay up. Sheffield United might have the stats on their side after finishing third, but their playoff track record could mess with their heads. Sunderland wants to return to the Premier League after eight years away. They hope to repeat their previous playoff success rather than relive their 2019 disappointment.
These historic clubs matched up well this season. Each team won their away games against each other. So, the final should be intense with momentum and nerves playing vital roles. Both cities’ fans have shown huge enthusiasm, and ticket sales are moving through careful phases to handle everyone who needs seats.
Supporting either the Blades or the Black Cats, this final shows what a whole season’s work means, backed by decades of history. When the final whistle blows on May 24, one team will celebrate their Premier League promotion. The other faces another year in the Championship – that’s the beautiful cruelty of playoffs, which keeps giving us football’s most dramatic moments.
Championship Play-Off Final – Your FAQs
Q1. When and where is the Championship Play-Off Final taking place? The Championship Play-Off Final is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in London.
Q2. How can fans purchase tickets for the Championship Play-Off Final? Tickets are available exclusively online through the official websites of Sheffield United and Sunderland. Sales are conducted in phases, with priority given to season ticket holders and loyal supporters.
Q3. What’s the financial value of winning the Championship Play-Off Final? The winning team is estimated to receive around £170 million over three seasons, potentially rising to £300 million if they maintain Premier League status for a second season.
Q4. How did Sheffield United and Sunderland reach the Championship Play-Off Final? Sheffield United dominated Bristol City with a 6-0 aggregate victory in the semi-finals, while Sunderland edged past Coventry City 3-2 with a dramatic extra-time winner.
Q5. What are the ticket prices for the Championship Play-Off Final? Ticket prices range from £37 to £105 for adults, with concessions available. There are five price categories, and prices vary depending on the seating location within Wembley Stadium.
