The game is increasingly dictated by astronomical transfer fees and enviable wage packets for top talents, all with the hope of clubs spending their way up the table.
According to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, as per their most recent accounts, Championship clubs have spent a total of £1.193 billion on players in recent seasons.
But how are those costs distributed across the division, and where do Preston North End rank among the second tier’s most exorbitant spenders?
We’ve gathered up all the findings and ranked them below...
2. 2nd: Bournemouth
Total cost of squad, as per most recent accounts: £198.6m | Getty Images
3. 3rd: Stoke City
Total cost of squad, as per most recent accounts: £145.4m | Getty Images
4. 4th: Sheffield United
Total cost of squad, as per most recent accounts: £113.7m | Getty Images