League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Championship kicks off with heightened stakes and lingering Spygate aftermath

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 6:14 AM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Championship kicks off with heightened stakes and lingering Spygate aftermath

Summary

The Championship begins its new season this weekend, featuring expanded play-offs and the impact of the Spygate scandal. Southampton will face Middlesbrough on November 27 after being thrown out of last season's play-offs due to the scandal. West Ham, having been relegated from the Premier League, is viewed as a favorite, while Burnley and Wolves also aim for strong performances. Newly appointed managers and significant pre-season transfers add intrigue to the competition. The season promises a more intense promotion race than recent years, with multiple teams vying for the top spots.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Championship opens this weekend; West Ham faces Burnley.
•Southampton against Middlesbrough is highly anticipated on November 27.
•West Ham is favored to lead after relegation last season.
•New managers at Wolves and Burnley add strategic changes.
•Play-offs expansion boosts chances for seventh and eighth places.

Latest Updates

6:14 AMYahoo Sports — New-look Championship returns with competitive twist but old shadows linger

What they're saying

"
CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: The fallout from Spygate continues to loom large but the Championship returns with hopes of a higher standard of football and a fascinating promotion race due to the expansion of the play-offs. By Richard Jolly
— Yahoo Sports

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