League One · League One · Est. 1903 · Valley Parade

Bradford City Association Football Club

Updated March 17, 2026

Dramatic last-day promotion sends Bradford back to League One

Bradford City's return to League One was sealed in the most dramatic fashion imaginable: a 96th-minute goal by Antoni Sarcevic against Fleetwood Town on the final day of the season secured automatic promotion and sent Valley Parade into delirium. It was the first time Bradford have played in the third tier since 2018-19, and the manner of their promotion has injected the club with an energy and belief that is carrying over into a strong 2025-26 campaign. Currently 4th with 64 points from 37 games, the Bantams are in the playoff places and showing no signs of being content with mere survival.

Valley Parade atmosphere is among League One's very best

Bradford City's average attendance of 17,762 makes them one of the best-supported clubs in League One, and the atmosphere at Valley Parade on matchdays reflects a city that is deeply invested in its football club. Chairman Stefan Rupp has overseen a period of stability and ambition, and the supporters who pack the ground bring a Yorkshire intensity that makes it a formidable venue. This is a club that reached the League Cup final in 2013 and has Premier League history; the current trajectory suggests bigger days could be ahead again.