Sunderland finished fifth in the regular season, entering the EFL League One play-offs.

They beat Sheffield Wednesday over two legs in the semi-final and Wycombe Wanderers in the final at Wembley to secure a return to the EFL Championship.

Sunderland announced they will play friendlies against Spennymoor Town,[3] Heart of Midlothian,[4] York City,[5] Harrogate Town,[6] Tranmere Rovers[7] and Hull City[8] as part of the club's pre season preparations.

[10] Sunderland finished 5th in the regular 2021–22 EFL League One season, so were drawn against 4th placed Sheffield Wednesday in the Play-off Semi Final.

[11] Sunderland were drawn away to Port Vale,[12] Blackpool,[13][14] Wigan Athletic,[15][16] Queens Park Rangers[17] and Arsenal[18] in the first, second, third and fourth rounds and quarter final respectively.