Overview
- Hull beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday when Oli McBurnie reacted to a spilled Yu Hirakawa cross and scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal promotion.
- Southampton were expelled from the play-offs after an independent commission found their boss authorised spying and Middlesbrough were reinstated days earlier, a decision that left both finalists only days to prepare.
- Deloitte and multiple outlets estimate promotion will deliver roughly £200–£205 million in extra revenues to Hull over the next three seasons through broadcast, commercial and parachute payments.
- Hull owner Acun Ilicali had threatened legal action over the handling of the Spygate saga if his team lost but the late on‑field result removed the immediate prospect of court challenges while EFL and FA investigations continue.
- The promotion caps a dramatic revival for Hull after a recent transfer embargo and low spending, it makes them the first sixth‑placed side promoted via the play‑offs since 2010, and comes as the Championship play‑off format is set to expand next season.