Hull City secures promotion to the Premier League

Hull City achieved promotion to the Premier League after defeating Middlesbrough 1-0 in the Championship play-off final. The decisive goal was scored by McBurnie in the 95th minute of the match. This victory marks the team's return to the top flight of English football for the first time since the 2016/17 season. Often described as the richest game in football, the promotion carries an estimated financial benefit between 180 and 220 million pounds, largely due to broadcasting rights and potential parachute payments. Hull City became the first team in 16 years to secure promotion after finishing the regular season in 6th place. The club, owned by Acun Ilicali, joins Ipswich and Coventry as the newly promoted teams for the 2026/27 campaign. While sources discuss the broader context of the season including EFL disciplinary matters, the match itself remained a closely contested defensive struggle until the final moments.