Sunderland was last in the Premier League in the 2016-2017 season. They were relegated at the end of that season. After an eight-year absence from the top division, Sunderland secured promotion back to the Premier League in May 2025 by winning the Championship play-off final. To summarize:
- Last Premier League season before recent promotion: 2016-17 (relegated)
- Promoted back to Premier League for the 2025-26 season after winning the 2024-25 Championship play-offs.
