Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have both entered next season's Checkatrade Trophy, while Chelsea have also decided to remain in the competition.
The first staging of the Checkatrade Trophy received a mixed reception from supporters, but the EFL recently made the decision to continue with the tournament for at least another year.
Each club from League One and League Two are involved, while 16 clubs from the Premier League and Championship are also invited to take the number of teams to 64.
City and Spurs are notable additions, while Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton, Leicester City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Southampton, Stoke City, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United will also enter Under-21 sides.
The 2016-17 competition was won by Coventry City, who recorded a 2-1 victory over Oxford United in the final at Wembley Stadium.