Ranking the top 12 clubs with the largest fanbases in the EFL Championship, featuring West Brom, Southampton, and Coventry City.

The Championship Continues to Deliver Drama and Passion

The Championship once again proved why it is regarded as one of the most unpredictable and entertaining divisions in world football during the 2025/26 campaign. From the battle for automatic promotion to the intense fight for play-off places and survival, the second tier produced drama from the very beginning right through to the final weekend.

Whether clubs were dreaming of reaching the Premier League or desperately trying to avoid relegation into League One, every fixture seemed to carry major significance. The relentless nature of the division, combined with the pressure and competitiveness, is exactly why supporters across the country remain emotionally invested every single season.

One thing that constantly separates the Championship from many other leagues is the incredible loyalty shown by supporters. Regardless of form, ownership troubles, financial concerns or disappointment on the pitch, fans continue to turn up in huge numbers. The atmospheres generated around the division are often viewed as superior to many found in the Premier League, where modern football can sometimes lose its edge.

The blend of historic clubs, ambitious projects, passionate supporters and iconic stadiums makes the Championship unique. From clubs carrying Premier League expectations to others rebuilding after difficult periods, every fanbase brings its own identity and energy.

Attendances have also become a huge talking point in modern football discussions, especially on social media. Crowds are frequently used as evidence of a club’s size, loyalty or growth, while empty seats can quickly attract criticism. Using figures provided through Transfermarkt, Football League World looked at the 12 best-supported clubs in the Championship based on total home attendance during the 2025/26 season.

12. Bristol City – Loyal Support Despite Difficult Moments

Bristol City occupy 12th place in the ranking after a campaign that promised much but ultimately became inconsistent.

There was major optimism around Ashton Gate after the Robins secured their first Championship play-off finish since 2008 the previous season. Expectations were high under Gerhard Struber, but the campaign gradually lost momentum.

A combination of injuries and the departures of key players weakened the squad significantly during the second half of the season. Results deteriorated badly enough for Struber to eventually lose his job in March, with veteran boss Roy Hodgson stepping in.

Despite the frustrations on the pitch, Bristol City supporters continued to back their side in impressive numbers. Across 23 home fixtures at Ashton Gate Stadium, the club recorded a cumulative attendance of 535,399.

11. West Brom Fans Continue to Stand By Their Team

West Bromwich Albion finished just above Bristol City in the attendance rankings after an extremely turbulent campaign.

The Baggies endured their worst league finish since the 1999/00 season, with instability becoming a recurring theme throughout the year. Three different head coaches took charge at various stages, while a controversial two-point deduction added further frustration.

Even during difficult periods, however, West Brom supporters remained committed. Fans at The Hawthorns have long been recognised for their unwavering backing during promotion battles and relegation struggles alike.

With a stadium capacity of 26,850, the Baggies attracted a season-long home attendance total of 542,909.

10. Stoke City Fans Stay Faithful Through Frustration

Stoke City supporters have experienced very little joy over the past decade, yet they still turned up in strong numbers throughout the season.

Since dropping out of the Premier League in 2018, Stoke have consistently failed to mount a serious promotion challenge. There were signs of encouragement during the first half of Mark Robins’ first full season in charge, but things eventually unravelled.

Injuries and poor form triggered a dramatic decline in results after the midway stage of the campaign. Only rock-bottom Sheffield Wednesday collected fewer points during the second half of the season.

Still, supporters continued filling much of the Bet365 Stadium, helping Stoke record an overall attendance of 555,065.

9. Norwich City’s Support Never Wavered

Norwich City supporters once again demonstrated why they are considered among the most loyal fanbases in the country.

The early months of the season were difficult for the Canaries. Shortly after Philippe Clement replaced Liam Manning, Norwich found themselves trapped near the relegation zone and struggling badly at home.

Carrow Road had not witnessed a league win since late November at one stage, putting enormous pressure on the players and coaching staff. Yet the supporters continued to back the team passionately.

Things improved significantly under Clement as Norwich began climbing away from danger. Optimism around the club has returned ahead of the 2026/27 season, and their attendance figure of 595,374 reflects the continued dedication shown at Carrow Road.

8. Birmingham City Continue to Build Momentum

Birmingham City take eighth place after another season of impressive support at St Andrew’s Stadium.

Ever since Chris Davies arrived two years ago, Birmingham have transformed into a formidable home side. Opponents rarely leave with points, and the atmosphere inside the stadium has become increasingly intimidating.

Only three Championship teams have managed to win away against Birmingham since April 2024, underlining the strength of their home form.

Had Blues performed better on the road, they may well have secured a play-off place. Even so, their supporters consistently packed the stadium, producing an impressive attendance total of 624,756.

Excitement around the club is also growing because of plans for the future 62,000-capacity Powerhouse Stadium project.

7. Middlesbrough Enjoy Strong Backing at the Riverside

Middlesbrough supporters continued to create an energetic atmosphere at the Riverside Stadium throughout the campaign.

Boro’s promotion push gathered momentum thanks largely to strong performances at home under both Kim Hellberg and predecessor Rob Edwards.

The Riverside once again became a difficult venue for visiting teams, while travelling supporters also followed Middlesbrough in huge numbers across the country.

During the regular season, 635,316 supporters attended Championship fixtures at the Riverside, placing the club seventh overall.

6. Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane Remains Intimidating

Sheffield United finished sixth in the rankings with supporters continuing to generate one of the division’s most hostile atmospheres.

The campaign initially looked disastrous after Ruben Selles was dismissed following six consecutive defeats.

Fears of a relegation battle quickly emerged, but the return of Chris Wilder helped stabilise the club.

Wilder managed to guide the Blades into mid-table safety and restore some optimism for next season. Even during the difficult periods, Bramall Lane remained well attended.

A total of 636,544 supporters passed through the gates across the season.

5. Ipswich Town Celebrate Promotion in Front of Packed Crowds

Ipswich Town continued their remarkable rise by securing promotion back to the Premier League.

Supporters packed Portman Road throughout the campaign as expectation and belief steadily grew under Kieran McKenna.

Ipswich delivered promotion in dramatic style with a 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season.

The achievement capped off another extraordinary chapter in the club’s resurgence and pushed their seasonal attendance to 650,980.

4. Southampton Reignite Enthusiasm at St Mary’s

Southampton supporters rediscovered belief after a season that began in miserable fashion.

Relegation from the Premier League with just 12 points left morale extremely low around the club, and matters worsened after Will Still was dismissed in November following a dreadful run of form.

Everything changed under Tonda Eckert, who guided Saints toward the play-offs while also overseeing an exciting FA Cup run.

The renewed positivity around St Mary’s Stadium helped Southampton attract a total home attendance of 654,487.

3. Derby County Continue to Prove Their Massive Support

Derby County once again demonstrated the strength of their fanbase despite spending nearly two decades outside the Premier League.

Even during administration and relegation into League One in 2022, Derby supporters remained fiercely loyal. That commitment has continued as the Rams attempt to rebuild.

Although they narrowly missed out on the play-offs, there is growing optimism around the club’s future.

Their supporters turned out in huge numbers at Pride Park Stadium, helping Derby achieve a remarkable attendance figure of 656,942.

2. Leicester City Fans Stay Loyal Through Chaos

Leicester City finished second despite enduring one of the darkest seasons in club history.

The Foxes suffered back-to-back relegations and will begin the 2026/27 campaign in League One for only the second time ever.

A six-point deduction for financial breaches compounded their problems, while the team managed only 12 league victories all season.

Home performances at King Power Stadium were especially poor, with Leicester recording the third-worst home record in the division.

Yet supporters continued to turn up in enormous numbers, with 664,861 fans attending matches across the campaign.

1. Coventry City Lead the Championship Attendance Rankings

Coventry City comfortably topped the attendance rankings after a historic and unforgettable season.

Under Frank Lampard, the Sky Blues secured promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.

The atmosphere at CBS Arena became one of the defining stories of the Championship campaign, with supporters fully embracing the club’s remarkable rise.

Coventry accumulated 55 of their 95 league points at home and created countless memorable moments throughout the season.

The club’s purchase of the stadium through owner Doug King added to the growing sense of stability and ambition around the Sky Blues.

After clinching the title with a 3-1 victory over Wrexham AFC, celebrations spread across the city during the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Overall, Coventry attracted an incredible 696,671 supporters across their 23 home league matches, making them officially the best-supported club in the Championship during the 2025/26 season.