Highest points totals in EFL Championship history [ranked]

The EFL Championship is one of the toughest second divisions in the world. Only three teams can secure promotion to the Premier League, two via automatic promotion and the third via winning two playoff games.

With a league littered with fallen Premier League superpowers, and with finances that most top leagues in Europe would be content with, gaining promotion from the EFL Championship is some feat.

Throughout the Championship's history, there have been some historic teams who have not just gained promotion, but have broken records in doing so.

We reflect on the best teams to have ever played in the EFL Championship, as we rank the teams with the highest points total in the league's history.

Here are the teams with the highest points total in EFL Championship history:

11. Leicester City (2023/24)

• Points: 97
• Goal difference: +49

Leicester City spent just one season in the EFL Championship, when they secured promotion with 4 games to spare. In what has been one of the most competitive Championship seasons in history, three teams secured a points total of over 90, the first time this has happened in the competition's history.

Jamie Vardy became a legend once again at Leicester, aged, 37, he scored 18 times in 34 games, including some crucial goals which eventually led to Leicester's promotion. With players such as Harry Winks, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Stephy Mavididi, managed by Enzo Maresca, this Leicester City team will go down as one of the greatest in English second-division history.

10. Portsmouth (2002/03)

• Points: 98
• Goal difference: +52

Portsmouth's memorable campaign in 2002/03 saw them achieve promotion with an incredibly strong squad. With key players like Paul Merson, Shaka Hislop, and Yakubu, along with astute management by Harry Redknapp, Portsmouth showcased their strength and determination.

Through impressive signings and formidable performances, including 26 league goals from Svetoslav Todorov, Portsmouth secured promotion after 15 years away from the top flight.

9. Wolverhampton Wanderers (2017/18)

• Points: 99
• Goal difference: +43

Wolverhampton Wanderers asserted their dominance in the 2017/18 season with a relentless run of wins. Led by manager Nuno Espírito Santo, Wolves showcased a blend of talent, including Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota, and Barry Douglas. Despite a final-day loss, Wolves' commanding performances throughout the season highlighted their prowess, falling just short of the 100-point milestone.

8. Chelsea (1988/89)

• Points: 99
• Goal difference: +46

Chelsea's journey to the top flight in 1988/89 was marked by resilience and determination. With a star-studded lineup featuring Graham Roberts, Tony Dorigo, and Kerry Dixon, Chelsea overcame a slow start to dominate the league.

Despite initial struggles, Chelsea's consistent performance throughout the season propelled them to a commanding position, setting the stage for their return to Division One.

7. Manchester City (2001/02)

• Points: 99
• Goal difference: +56

Manchester City's 2001/02 campaign showcased their attacking prowess and determination to secure promotion. Captained by Stuart Pearce, City's squad boasted firepower with 108 goals scored, led by the likes of Shaun Goater and Darren Huckerby. City's relentless pursuit of victory, characterised by a string of high-scoring wins and entertaining football, solidified their position at the top of the table.

6. Burnley (2022/23)

• Points: 101
• Goal difference: +52

Burnley's 2022/23 campaign signalled a new era of dominance under manager Vincent Kompany. With an innovative approach to tactics and leadership from players like Anass Zaroury, Burnley showcased their strength and resilience. Despite early scepticism and a slow start to the season, Burnley's consistent performances and tactical adaptability propelled them to the top of the table, clinching the title in style.

5. Fulham (2000/01)

• Points: 101
• Goal difference: +58

Fulham's were dominant in the 2000/01 EFL Championship Season. Managed by Jean Tigana and bolstered by talents like Louis Saha, Steve Finnan, and Chris Coleman, Fulham showcased a winning mentality. Fulham's commanding lead at Christmas and their early sealing of promotion highlighted their class and determination, setting the stage for their return to the top flight.

4. Leicester City (2013/14)

• Points: 102
• Goal difference: +40

Leicester City's remarkable 2013/14 season saw them emerge as a dominant force in the league. Led by manager Nigel Pearson and bolstered by signings like Riyad Mahrez, Leicester showcased their ambition and talent. Leicester's impressive run of nine consecutive wins, coupled with astute signings and a strong team ethic, propelled them to the top of the table, securing promotion in style.

3. Newcastle United (2009/10)

• Points: 102
• Goal difference: +55

Newcastle United's 2009/10 squad demonstrated resilience and determination on their path to immediate promotion back to the Premier League after only one season in the EFL Championship. Spearheaded by manager Chris Hughton and key players like Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan, Newcastle showcased their strength and depth. Newcastle's unbeaten home record and consistent performances throughout the season highlighted their class and determination, securing an immediate return to the Premier League.

2. Sunderland (1998/99)

• Points: 105
• Goal difference: +63

Sunderland set a new EFL Championship points record in the league in 98/99. With a potent attacking lineup featuring Kevin Phillips, Sunderland showcased their firepower and determination. Sunderland's defensive solidity, combined with their prolific goal-scoring prowess, propelled them to the top of the table, securing promotion in style.

1. Reading (2005/06)

• Points: 106
• Goal difference: +67

Reading's record-breaking 2005/06 campaign showcased their dominance and ambition in the league. Led by manager Steve Coppell and featuring talents like Kevin Doyle and Shane Long, Reading demonstrated their class and determination. Reading's impressive goal-scoring record and defensive resilience solidified their position at the top of the table, securing promotion with style and authority.

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