The Championship is often hailed as one of the most exciting and unpredictable leagues in world football. While it may lack the glamour and riches of the Premier League or other elite divisions, it more than makes up for it with passion, drama, and unwavering fanbases.
But which clubs in this season’s Championship can truly be considered the “biggest”? It’s a subjective debate — one that fans often argue over with fierce loyalty. Size can be measured in many ways: history, attendance, finances, trophies, or even ambition.
To put some structure to the discussion, MatchDayFever asked ChatGPT to rank the 12 biggest clubs in the Championship for the 2025/26 season, based on criteria such as financial strength (including parachute payments), attendances and stadium capacity, historical pedigree, and commercial influence.
Here’s what the AI had to say:
12. Wrexham
Stadium: Racecourse Ground
Wrexham’s rapid rise continues. Backed by Hollywood ownership and boasting incredible commercial success — even outpacing some top-flight clubs while in League Two — the Red Dragons now enter the Championship with serious ambition and spending power.
A fourth straight promotion might be a stretch, but the momentum is undeniable. Their trajectory and off-field influence earn them a place in this top 12.
11. Stoke City
Stadium: bet365 Stadium
A mainstay of the Premier League from 2008 to 2018, Stoke bring with them top-flight pedigree and a historic League Cup win from 1972.
While the Potters have struggled for form since relegation, they remain a well-supported club with a strong identity and significant infrastructure.
10. West Bromwich Albion
Stadium: The Hawthorns
West Brom are no strangers to the Premier League, having yo-yoed between the top two tiers in recent decades. With average attendances of around 25,000, they boast one of the Championship’s more consistent fanbases.
Despite financial challenges, the Baggies have remained competitive and maintain one of the division’s stronger profiles.
9. Bristol City
Stadium: Ashton Gate
The Robins may not have the historical stature of some others on this list, but they’ve become one of the Championship’s more stable and financially robust clubs.
Their commercial strength and upward momentum — including a top-six finish last season — earn them ninth spot.
8. Middlesbrough
Stadium: Riverside Stadium
Regular contenders for the play-offs, Boro’s consistent competitiveness and loyal 25,000-strong weekly fanbase at the Riverside keep them high on this list.
Backed by smart recruitment and a strong academy, their long-term prospects remain promising.
7. Norwich City
Stadium: Carrow Road
The Canaries boast two League Cup titles and even UEFA Cup experience from the 1990s. That history, combined with a strong fanbase and improving performances under Liam Manning, keeps Norwich firmly inside the top 10.
Though they may be disappointed to see rivals Ipswich higher on this list.
6. Sheffield Wednesday
Stadium: Hillsborough
Despite recent turbulence, Sheffield Wednesday’s history, fanbase, and Hillsborough’s status as the largest stadium in the Championship (post-Sunderland promotion) reinforce their stature.
There’s no questioning their “big club energy” — it’s now just a matter of matching it with consistency on the pitch.
5. Coventry City
Stadium: Coventry Building Society Arena
From relegation-threatened in 2022 to FA Cup semi-finalists and consistent top-six challengers, Coventry’s turnaround has been remarkable.
Doing so without parachute payments has earned them widespread respect, and their modern-day success, coupled with a loyal fanbase, places them inside the top five.
4. Sheffield United
Stadium: Bramall Lane
Blades fans would have preferred to avoid this list altogether, but last season’s play-off final loss sees them remain in the Championship.
Still benefiting from parachute payments and having spent three of the last six years in the Premier League — including a top-half finish — United remain one of the division’s heavyweights.
3. Southampton
Stadium: St Mary’s Stadium
One of England’s most established clubs in recent decades, Southampton have regularly featured in the top flight and European competitions since the 1990s.
With a First Division runners-up finish and an FA Cup to their name, plus parachute payments and a modern stadium, the Saints remain a major force at this level.
2. Ipswich Town
Stadium: Portman Road
Their meteoric rise may have ended in heartbreak, but Ipswich Town’s resurgence has reignited belief in Suffolk. With average attendances pushing 30,000 and one of the most storied pasts in the EFL — including First Division and UEFA Cup titles — Town are back among the elite in the Championship.
Throw in parachute payments and commercial strength, and second place feels justified.
1. Leicester City
Stadium: King Power Stadium
No surprises here. Premier League champions in 2016, FA Cup winners in 2021, and regulars in European competitions throughout the past decade, Leicester City are unmatched in terms of recent success among Championship clubs.
Their fall to the second tier may be temporary, but their stature is clear — the biggest club in the 2025/26 Championship, by some distance.
Honourable Mentions:
Clubs like Hull City, Swansea City, Watford, and QPR miss out on the top 12, but still carry significant history and fanbases. Their future rankings could improve with better performance and infrastructure development.
MatchDay Fever 
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