Reading FC are expected to be in the mix for promotion from League One next season, according to the latest bookmakers’ odds.
After a disappointing 2025/26 campaign that faded away following a late collapse in form under manager Leam Richardson, fans will be hoping for a stronger push for promotion in the 2026/27 season.
The Royals have been priced at 8/1 to win promotion. That places them among a group of clubs viewed as realistic challengers, although still behind the division’s relegated Championship sides and several established promotion hopefuls.
Recently relegated Leicester City are the bookmakers’ favourites at 5/6, ahead of Sheffield Wednesday (9/4) and Luton Town (5/2). Stockport County, Plymouth Argyle, Huddersfield Town and MK Dons are all priced at 9/2, with Oxford United at 5/1. Blackpool and Bradford City follow at 6/1 before Reading sit alongside Wycombe Wanderers, Barnsley and Wigan Athletic on 8/1.
The odds reflect renewed optimism at the Select Car Leasing Stadium after an encouraging summer of recruitment so far.
Richardson, who took charge midway through last season, will be able to oversee a full pre-season for the first time and has strengthened his squad with the additions of Jacob Brown, Kyreece Lisbie and Udoka Godwin-Malife, while continuing to reshape the group following last season’s disappointing finish.
Reading’s hopes of reaching the play-offs last season were ended by a poor run of results during the closing weeks of the campaign, but the manager said at the time his focus had already turned to mounting a promotion challenge this year.
With the financial uncertainty that has surrounded the club in recent years now easing under new ownership, there is a growing sense of stability as Richardson looks to build a squad capable of challenging over the course of a full season.
While bookmakers expect Leicester, Sheffield Wednesday and Luton to set the pace, Reading are viewed as one of several clubs capable of breaking into the promotion places if their summer rebuild translates into consistent performances on the pitch.
League One promotion odds, according to BetVictor
Leicester City – 5/6
Sheffield Wednesday – 9/4
Luton Town – 5/2
Stockport County – 9/2
Plymouth Argyle – 9/2
Huddersfield Town – 9/2
MK Dons – 9/2
Oxford United – 5/1
Blackpool – 6/1
Bradford City – 6/1
Wycombe Wanderers – 8/1
Reading – 8/1
Barnsley – 8/1
Wigan Athletic – 8/1
Notts County – 10/1
Stevenage – 10/1
Mansfield Town – 10/1
Doncaster Rovers – 10/1
Peterborough United – 10/1
Leyton Orient – 20/1
Burton Albion – 25/1
Cambridge United – 25/1
AFC Wimbledon – 33/1
Bromley – 33/1
