Everything you need to know about the Championship playoff final

Brentford ahve already progressed to the final of the Championship play offs (Getty Images)Brentford ahve already progressed to the final of the Championship play offs (Getty Images)
Brentford ahve already progressed to the final of the Championship play offs (Getty Images)

Leeds United and West Brom have already sealed their place in the Premier League – but a third and final place in the promised land is still up for grabs. 

Known as the world’s richest game due to the lucrative benefits of playing in England’s top tier, the Championship playoffs final is rarely a dull affair, with Aston Villa seeing off Derby County in dramatic fashion last season.

A key ingredient of the Championship playoffs is of course the fans but like so much of the football calendar this year’s event will be like no other with the final to be played out in front of an almost empty Wembley. 

Where and when is the final? 

The final kicks off at 7.45pm on Tuesday August 4 at Wembley Stadium.

Who’s participating? 

Brentford, who narrowly missed out on the automatic promotion spots, deservedly sealed their place in the final with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Swansea City. 

Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Marcondes and Bryan Mbeumo gave the Bees a 3-0 lead wiping out the Swans’ first leg lead with Rhian Brewster scoring a consolation goal for the Swans. 

Fulham go into tonight’s fixture at Craven Cottage against Cardiff City with a healthy 2-0 lead. 

Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano both scored stunners in the second-half at the Cardiff City Stadium to make the Cottagers firm favourites for a place at Wembley. 

Where can I watch? 

Sky Sports will be showing the final with build up getting underway at 7pm on August 4.

How much is promotion worth?

According to Deloitte's Sports Business Group, triumph in the playoff final is worth an estimated £170m. 

This is due to the additional revenue, chiefly from broadcasting, that will be generated over the following three years, even if the winner immediately suffers relegation. 

Relegated clubs would have the blow softened by £75m of parachute payments.

Survival would mean a cash injection of £300m over the next five years, according to Deloitte.