Every championship club’s wage bill for 2025–2026 revealed
Despite being England's second tier, the Championship continues to showcase Premier League-level ambition. Many clubs are investing heavily in player wages in hopes of promotion to the top flight. From recently relegated giants to lower-table sides punching above their weight, the financial stakes are high. Below, we rank the 13 clubs with the highest total annual wage bills for the 2025–2026 season.
1. Leicester City – £42,926,000
Leicester top the list with a staggering £42.9 million spent annually on wages. Their payroll reflects Premier League ambitions and the pressure to bounce back immediately. With over £15 million going to midfielders alone, the Foxes are clearly investing in creativity and control.
2. Southampton – £38,142,000
The Saints come in second with a total wage bill exceeding £38 million. Their attacking unit is the most expensive in the Championship, costing £16.64 million a year. Their forward-heavy spending signals a clear intent to play bold and attacking football.
3. Ipswich Town – £28,678,000
Newly promoted Ipswich have made a strong financial statement with nearly £29 million in annual wages. Their biggest allocation goes to defence, at over £11 million, suggesting a priority on structure and solidity at the back.
Read also: The 14 highest-paid Serie A footballers for the 2025–2026 season – ranked from lowest to highest
4. Sheffield United – £27,300,000
The Blades are close behind with a £27.3 million payroll. Their spending is relatively balanced across positions, with the forward line receiving just over £8 million. Sheffield United are likely hoping their experienced core will guide them back to the top flight.
5. Norwich City – £22,802,000
Norwich maintain a solid financial base with £22.8 million in wages this season. Their midfield budget is modest at £4.78 million, while defence and attack receive equal attention. This balanced approach reflects their tactical flexibility.
6. West Bromwich Albion – £21,008,000
West Brom’s annual payroll sits just over the £21 million mark. Midfield remains their financial focus at £6.37 million, followed closely by their attacking line. The Baggies continue to operate with discipline and a strong core squad.
7. Hull City – £20,628,400
Hull have allocated just over £20.6 million to player wages. Their midfield is the most heavily funded group at nearly £7 million. Despite a relatively low spend on goalkeepers, Hull’s balanced structure suggests thoughtful squad building.
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8. Middlesbrough – £19,680,400
Boro are working with a payroll just under £20 million. Their spending is relatively even, with the midfield and attack each accounting for more than £6 million. This distribution may offer tactical depth rather than star-driven firepower.
9. Watford – £19,464,000
Watford operate with a total salary budget of £19.4 million. Despite a reduced outlay compared to Premier League years, their midfield receives a significant portion. The Hornets are still capable of mounting a serious challenge with targeted investment.
10. Birmingham City – £18,850,000
Birmingham come in just below Watford, with £18.85 million spent on wages. Their most expensive position group is the forward line at £9.23 million. This emphasis on attacking strength could be the key to improving their league standing.
11. Wrexham – £18,187,000
The Hollywood-backed Welsh club now sit among the Championship’s biggest spenders, committing over £18 million to wages. Their outlay is distributed evenly across all lines, suggesting a well-rounded squad without dependence on star names.
Read also: Premier League payroll power rankings: from Sunderland’s shoestring to City’s millions
12. Stoke City – £17,836,000
Stoke are keeping their spending contained at just under £18 million. Their largest allocation is in defence, which may hint at a pragmatic approach to building results through stability rather than attacking flair.
13. Millwall – £14,666,000
Millwall complete the list with £14.6 million in annual salaries. Their budget is the smallest among these 13 clubs, but their investment in midfield remains solid. The Lions will be aiming to punch above their weight with smart recruitment and tactical cohesion.
Read also: Inside Liverpool’s wage bill: Full salary rankings
