The League One playoffs are thrilling fixtures that generate football fan excitement at the end of every season.
The playoffs are a true test of mettle, a gruelling trial that will push the participating teams to their limits. The stakes are high, the pressure immense, and the competition fierce. The League One playoffs offer a platform for underdogs to rise, for heroes to be born, and for dreams to be realised.
With the 2022-23 League One playoffs upon us soon, GOAL has listed below everything you need to know, including fixture dates, teams, where to watch on TV and stream live, plus more.
What are the League One playoffs?
As the regular season draws to a close, the four teams that finish in third, fourth, fifth, and sixth places in the League One standings will get their shot at glory in the playoffs. This is their chance to ascend to the more competitive grounds of the Championship, the next level in the English football hierarchy.
The battle begins with two-legged semi-finals and then comes the final, the ultimate showdown where only one team can rise to glory and get their much-deserved ticket to the next level.
The third-placed team is paired with the sixth-placed team in one semi-final, with the fourth-placed team playing the fifth-placed side in the other semi-final.
The top two teams in League One are automatically promoted.
Which teams have qualified for the 2023 League One playoffs?
You can see who qualified for the League One playoffs in the table below.
League One 2022-23 table
Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Plymouth Argyle (P) | 46 | 31 | 8 | 7 | +35 | 101 |
2 | Ipswich Town (P) | 46 | 28 | 14 | 4 | +66 | 98 |
3 | Sheffield Wednesday (Q) | 46 | 28 | 12 | 6 | +44 | 96 |
4 | Barnsley (Q) | 46 | 26 | 8 | 12 | +33 | 86 |
5 | Bolton Wanderers (Q) | 46 | 23 | 12 | 11 | +26 | 81 |
6 | Peterborough United (Q) | 46 | 24 | 5 | 17 | +21 | 77 |
7 | Derby County | 46 | 21 | 13 | 12 | +21 | 76 |
Last updated: May 7 2023
Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town have secured their promotion to the Championship in terms of ensuring themselves a top-two finish, while Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley, Peterborough United and Bolton have confirmed a spot in the playoffs.
When are the League One 2023 playoffs?
The 2023 League One playoff semi-finals will take place on May 12 and 13 (first legs) and May 18 and 19.
When & where is the League One 2023 playoff final?
The 2023 League One play-off final will be played on Monday, May 29, 2023. The final is scheduled to kick off at 3pm BST.
The famous Wembley Stadium traditionally hosts the League One playoff final and will remain the venue for the 2023 edition as well.
League One play-off fixtures & results
League One play-off semi-finals
Date | Fixture | TV channel |
---|---|---|
May 12 | Peterborough United 4-0 Sheffield Wednesday | Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Football |
May 13 | Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Barnsley | Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Football |
May 18 | Sheffield Wednesday 5-1 (5-3 pens) Peterborough United | Sky Sports Football |
May 19 | Barnsley 1-0 Bolton Wanderers | Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Football |
League One play-off final
Date | Fixture | TV channel |
---|---|---|
May 29 | Sheffield Wednesday vs Barnsley | Sky Sports Football |
Where to watch League One 2023 playoffs on TV & live stream
Country | TV channel | Live stream |
---|---|---|
UK | Sky Sports | Sky GO |
U.S. | N/A | ESPN+ |
Sky Sports has the broadcasting rights to league matches in the United Kingdom (UK) and the League One playoffs will be shown live on Sky Sports Football/Main Event and will also be available to stream live online using Sky GO.
ESPN+ will show the League One playoff semi-finals and final in the United States (U.S).
Who won the League One playoffs in 2022?
Getty ImagesSunderland had faced Wycombe Wanderers in the final of the League One play-offs on May 21, 2022. Wycombe were unable to beat Sunderland during their two league games and they fell short once again.
Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart scored in each half to help Sunderland beat Wycombe 2-0 and gain promotion to the Championship.