Resolution criteria

Lincoln City are in their seventh consecutive season in League One. The market resolves YES if Lincoln City finishes in the top two of the 2025-26 League One season (automatic promotion) or wins the League One playoff final. The League One season concludes on the weekend of May 2-3, 2026, with the playoff final scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Wembley Stadium. Resolution will be determined by the official EFL standings and playoff results, available at https://www.efl.com/league-one/

Background

As of early January 2026, Cardiff City are four points clear of Lincoln City at the top of the League One table. Three teams can make it up to the Championship but only one through the playoffs—the top two finishers gain automatic promotion, while the teams finishing between 3rd and 6th battle it out in the play-offs, with the winner eventually promoted to the Championship.

Considerations

Lincoln City are currently in contention for automatic promotion but face stiff competition from established sides. The playoff route remains viable if they finish 3rd-6th, though this introduces additional uncertainty compared to securing a top-two finish.