Peterborough United are leading a bid to expand the League One play-off system to include eight teams. The proposal would mirror the format introduced in the Championship this season.
Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony and Barnsley's Neerav Parekh, who serve as the League One representatives on the EFL board, have put the plan forward. The move aims to create more promotion opportunities and generate additional revenue for clubs. MacAnthony has voiced his support for the idea in recent radio appearances.
The proposed structure would grant teams finishing from third down to eighth a shot at promotion. Under the new system, the third and fourth-placed sides would enter the play-offs as usual. However, a quarter-final round would be introduced where fifth plays eighth and sixth plays seventh in one-off matches.
The winners of those quarter-finals would then progress to the traditional two-legged semi-finals. From there, the side that finished lowest in the table among the quarter-final winners would face the team in third place. The other winner would take on the fourth-placed finisher. The process would culminate in the final at Wembley Stadium.
This off-field initiative comes as Peterborough United seek to improve their early-season form. As of September 8, 2026, the team sits 20th in the League One standings, having collected just four points from their opening five matches. Their record shows one win, one draw, and three losses, with a recent run of form reading LDLWL.
The squad has struggled for goals, netting only three times while conceding nine, resulting in a minus-six goal difference. They currently trail league leaders Sheffield Wednesday by a significant eight-point margin in the title race.
Attention now turns to the immediate challenge on the pitch. Peterborough United's next fixture is an away trip to face Milton Keynes Dons on September 12. MK Dons are positioned just one place above Posh in 19th, making it a key early-season encounter near the foot of the table. Fans can view the full schedule on the club's fixtures page.
The push for play-off expansion represents a strategic long-term vision from the club's hierarchy. Implementing such a change would require approval from EFL clubs. For now, the focus for Darren Ferguson's team is to climb the table and build momentum, starting with the match at Stadium MK this weekend.
