EFL League 1: Schedules, Dates, TV Channels & Start times
Looking to stay updated with the latest English League 1 fixtures? WheresTheMatch, has you covered with our comprehensive EFL League 1 schedule, providing key details on matchups, kick-off times, dates, and the television broadcasters in your area.
The EFL League 1 is the third tier of professional football in the English football pyramid, sitting just below the EFL Championship and above League Two. It features 24 clubs from across England (and sometimes Wales), each battling it out over a season for promotion to the Championship or fighting to avoid relegation to League Two.
Despite being a third-tier competition, the England Football League 1 is far from being just a stepping stone league. It boasts a mix of clubs rich in history, emerging talent, and fiercely loyal fan bases, making it an exciting division to follow.
Where to Watch EFL League 1 on TV
Sky Sports is the primary broadcaster for EFL League One Games in the UK, offering live games, highlights, and streaming through Sky Go or flexible passes via NOW. Fans can also access matches through the EFL’s iFollow service, which streams live midweek games, provides audio commentary, and offers match replays—subject to local restrictions. Some clubs also have their own platforms, like Sunderland’s SAFC Live. Free-to-air highlights are available on ITV’s weekly EFL highlights show, accessible on ITV4 or on demand via ITV Hub.
When Do English League 1 Fixtures Take Place?
EFL League 1 matches are typically played on Saturdays at 3 PM, with midweek games on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 7:45 PM or 8 PM. Special fixtures occur on public holidays like Boxing Day and Easter. The season runs from August to May, starting in early August and concluding with the play-offs after regular matches end in late April or early May. The busiest period includes Christmas and New Year games, with teams competing weekly to climb the table. Matches may also be rescheduled for TV broadcasts or cup competitions.
EFL League 1 Competition Format
The England Football League One features 24 teams with each team playing 46 matches, competing twice against every other team—once at home and once away.
Points are awarded as follows:
- 3 points for a win
- 1 point for a draw
- 0 points for a loss
At the end of the season, the league table ranks teams by their total points. If teams have the same number of points, goal difference and, if necessary, goals scored act as tiebreakers.
Promotion Battle
The allure of League One lies heavily in its promotion race. The ultimate objective for most clubs is to secure a spot in the EFL Championship, the next rung on the English football ladder.
- Automatic Promotion: The top two teams directly earn promotion to the Championship. Consistency throughout the season is key to achieving one of these prized spots.
- Play-offs: Clubs finishing in positions 3rd to 6th compete in a play-off tournament for the final promotion spot. The format is as follows:
- Two-legged semi-finals (3rd vs 6th, 4th vs 5th)
- A single final match, usually held at Wembley Stadium, to decide who joins the top two in moving up.
The Fight to Avoid Relegation
While the top teams dream of the Championship, those at the bottom fight to avoid the drop. League One’s relegation rules are unforgiving:
- The bottom four teams at the end of the season are relegated to League Two, the fourth tier of English football.
For teams striving to maintain their League One status, every point becomes vital, especially heading into the final weeks of the season.
When are the Next EFL League One Games?
View upcoming matches with our comprehensive EFL League 1 schedule above or use our team finder links below.
View EFL League One TV schedules by team
- AFC Wimbledon
- Barnsley
- Blackpool
- Bolton Wandererers
- Bradford City
- Burton Albion
- Cardiff City
- Doncaster Rovers
- Exeter City
- Huddersfield Town
- Leyton Orient
- Lincoln City
- Luton Town
- Mansfield Town
- Northampton Town
- Peterborough United
- Plymouth Argyle
- Port Vale
- Reading
- Rotherham United
- Stevenage
- Stockport County
- Wigan Athletic
- Wycombe Wanderers