The 2024-25 football season is progressing, and attention is turning to the exciting conclusion: the playoffs.
League Two presents numerous opportunities for teams to move up to League One. Four teams will be promoted to the higher league at the season`s end, and one promotion spot is decided through the League Two playoffs.
Playoffs are always thrilling. In May, local fans passionately support their teams and favorite players as stadiums buzz with excitement.
League Two Playoffs Explained
After the regular season, the teams ranked fourth to seventh in League Two enter the playoffs for a chance to be promoted.
The League Two playoffs begin with two semi-final matches, leading to a final game. In this final, one team will win promotion to League One.
In the semi-finals, the fourth-placed team plays against the seventh-placed team, and the fifth-placed team competes with the sixth-placed team.
The top three teams in League Two are automatically promoted. The playoffs determine the fourth team to advance to League One.
Teams in Contention for 2025 Playoffs
Below is the current League Two table. Playoff teams will be those finishing fourth through seventh at the season`s end.
League Two 2024-25 Table
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walsall | 38 | 20 | 10 | 8 | +24 | 70 |
| 2 | Bradford City | 39 | 20 | 10 | 9 | +20 | 70 |
| 3 | Port Vale | 39 | 18 | 13 | 8 | +11 | 67 |
| 4 | AFC Wimbledon | 38 | 18 | 10 | 10 | +23 | 64 |
| 5 | Doncaster Rovers | 37 | 18 | 9 | 10 | +10 | 63 |
| 6 | Notts County | 38 | 17 | 11 | 10 | +17 | 62 |
| 7 | Grimsby Town | 39 | 19 | 5 | 15 | 0 | 62 |
| 8 | Colchester United | 39 | 14 | 16 | 9 | +7 | 58 |
| 8 | Crewe Alexandra | 39 | 14 | 16 | 9 | +6 | 58 |
The League Two season still has a way to go, and many changes in the standings are expected.
Port Vale, relegated from League One, is performing strongly in third place.
Walsall is currently leading, with Bradford close behind in the automatic promotion race. Wimbledon, Doncaster, Notts County, and Grimsby are currently favored for playoff spots.
League Two Playoffs 2025 Schedule
The League Two playoffs will commence soon after the regular season ends in May. The final League Two games are set for May 3, 2025.
After a short break, the playoff semi-finals first legs will be played about a week later. The 2025 League Two playoff final is scheduled for Monday, May 26.
Playoff Semi-finals
| Date | Fixture | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|
| May 11 | 7th vs 4th (First Leg) | Sky Sports / Paramount+ |
| May 11 | 6th vs 5th (First Leg) | Sky Sports / Paramount+ |
| May 16 | 4th vs 7th (Second Leg) | Sky Sports / Paramount+ |
| May 17 | 5th vs 6th (Second Leg) | Sky Sports / Paramount+ |
Playoff Final
| Date | Fixture | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|
| May 26 | Semi-final 1 Winner vs Semi-final 2 Winner | Sky Sports / Paramount+ |
Playoff Final Location and Date
The 2025 League Two play-off final will be held at Wembley Stadium in London on Monday, May 26, 2025.
This game will decide the fourth team promoted to League One, following the semi-final matches.
League Two Final Prize
The financial rewards for winning the League Two play-off final are not as large as in higher leagues. There is no significant cash prize for this game.
Each League Two club gets a standard payment of £430,000 from the Premier League and a £472,000 base grant from the EFL for competing in the league. League position does not affect this payment.
However, promotion to League One does increase revenue. League One clubs receive a £677,000 base grant and an additional £642,000 Premier League solidarity payment, improving their finances.
Where to Watch Playoffs
| Country | TV Channel | Live Stream |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Sky Sports | Sky GO |
| U.S. | CBS | Paramount+ |
Sky Sports holds the UK broadcasting rights for EFL matches. The League Two playoffs will be shown live on Sky Sports Football/Main Event and streamed on Sky GO.
Paramount+ and CBS will broadcast the League Two playoff semi-finals and final in the U.S.
2024 Playoff Winner
In the previous season, Crawley Town won the 2024 League Two play-off final on May 19, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. They defeated Crewe Alexandra 2-0.
This was Crawley`s first Wembley appearance and secured their promotion to League One. Goals were scored by Danilo Orsi and Liam Kelly.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood