The Championship, currently sponsored by Coca-Cola, is the 2nd tier of the English League pyramid and the highest division of The Football League. Formerly the Football League First Division, it was introduced for the 2004-05 season and comprises 24 teams. At the end of a season, the top 2 two teams are promoted to the Premiership, along with the playoff winners between the teams in 3rd-6th place. These 3 teams are replaced by those finishing in 18th-20th place in the Premiership. The 3 teams finishing 22nd-24th are relegated to Football League One, being replaced the top 2 sides from League One, along with the League One playoff winners.

The promotion / relegation system means that there are different League Champions each season. However, Sunderland lifted the Championship title in 2004-05 and 2006-07, while Birmingham were runners-up in both 2006-07 and 2008-09. Preston North End, founder members of the Football League, have spent the longest consecutive spell in the First Division / Championship; 10 seasons, dating back to 2000-01.

Available Betting

The Championship offers plenty of betting opportunities, with odds offered on season bets, along with individual match betting. Seasonal bets include betting on the Outright Winner, Promotion to the Premiership, Relegation to League One, along with the Leading Goalscorer for the season. Individual match bets include Match Result (90-minutes play), Double Result (home, away or draw at half-time / full-time = 9 possible outcomes), Correct Score, Draw No Bet, Half-time Correct Score, Half-time Result (odds offered on home, away or draw), Highest Scoring Half and Odd or Even Total Goals.