Top of League One. 21 matches unbeaten. Five points clear with nine games to go. Lincoln City’s goal of getting promoted to the Championship isn’t just a ‘fantasy’, it’s something that has a good chance of becoming a reality.
To guarantee promotion, Lincoln City needs 10 points. And honestly, with the rate they’re going, the dream of joining the Championship could happen in just a few weeks. This will be the club’s first time in the second tier since 1961.
What Promotion Could Mean for the Club
Reaching the Championship could reshape Lincoln City FC, not only as a football club, but also as a business.
A Massive Revenue Jump
Currently, Lincoln City receives around £2 million per season in League One in EFL distributions and Premier League solidarity payments.
In the Championship, however, this figure rises to about £11 million. This doesn’t include greater television revenue and higher matchday income either.
For a club operating on one of the ‘lower’ budgets in League One, this change in revenue could be huge for transfer funds and infrastructure investments.
Attracting a Higher Calibre of Player
Championship status changes with transfer negotiations. Players who might not have considered the club due to their League One status may suddenly shift their thinking.
Alongside this, their transfer budget will increase. We’ve already seen them spend some of it as well, for example, with their retaining contract with Jack Moylan till 2030, who’s a key figure in the team’s League One domination.
Bigger Matchdays and Commercial Growth
Naturally, Championship football means bigger away followings, more televised fixtures, and increased exposure. Due to this, the club will likely increase its commercial value, boosting sponsorship deals, hospitality demand, and attendees.
Gambling sponsors have played a huge role in the commercial growth of many teams. Promotion could lead to new sponsors across sports betting, but also gambling platforms offering slots and bingo promotions, which are increasingly adopting sport-focused content and games to increase sign-ups.
Both will help broaden the fanbase and boost non-football income on and off matchdays, which will greatly benefit the club.
Changes to the LNER Stadium
The timing of these promotions couldn’t get much better. Lincoln already has modernisation plans for the LNER Stadium. This includes adding new hospitality and event space behind the Rilmac Stand, expanding bar facilities, and upgrading corporate areas.
Completion is set ahead of the 2026/2027 season. Therefore, the additional funds generated from promotion could help pay for this investment. Better, it could present additional upgrades to the stadium.
Can They Actually Do It?
On current form, yes. We’ll be surprised if they didn’t. The 20-match unbeaten run is a new club record, the defence is the best in the division, and Skubala has been nominated manager of the month repeatedly.
Everything is pointing towards promotion. However, that being said, it’s still on the cards. Their remaining fixtures with Rotherham United, Doncaster Rovers, AFC Wimbledon, Reading, Leyton Orient, Stevenage, Wycombe Wanderers, and Port Vale are all still to come, so we’ll just have to wait and see.
It goes without saying, though, they’ve earned the right to promotion this season. Their form has been exceptional, and fans can certainly expect a positive outcome.
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