SUNDERLAND BACK TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE

Sunderland AFC has been promoted to the Premier League for the 2025–26 season after a dramatic 2–1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium on May 24, 2025.

Trailing 1–0 after Tyrese Campbell’s first-half goal for Sheffield United, Sunderland equalized in the 76th minute through Eliezer Mayenda. The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of stoppage time when 19-year-old substitute Tom Watson scored the winning goal, securing Sunderland’s return to the top flight after an eight-year absence.

This victory not only ends Sunderland’s eight-year absence from the Premier League but also brings significant financial benefits, with the promotion estimated to be worth around £220 million in additional income.

The match also featured a historic moment when referee Chris Kavanagh announced a VAR decision over the stadium’s PA system, marking the first time a VAR ruling was explained to fans in a Championship play-off final.

Sunderland joins Leeds United and Burnley as the three teams promoted to the Premier League for the 2025–26 season.