EFL Demands Major Premier League Cash Boost to Save Football Pyramid
The English Football League (EFL) is pushing for a substantial financial boost from the Premier League to ensure the sustainability of the football pyramid. The gap between the top-flight and the second-tier is over £5 billion ($6.74 billion). The independent football regulator (IFR) may intervene if no agreement is reached.
Tom Wagner, Birmingham City co-owner and chairman, opposes wealth redistribution that could compromise the competitive nature of the Premier League. Meanwhile, West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady claims a 'credible and generous proposal' was rejected, though the EFL denies this, stating only that discussions had briefly resumed.
Wagner, who is not currently involved in the talks, believes the Premier League can grow its value and revenue without increasing player workload or ticket prices. He suggests reaching a broader audience through new content to expand the sport globally. The Premier League has already committed £1.6 billion ($2.16 billion) to the wider football pyramid from its latest broadcast cycle (2022-2025). Wagner argues that growing the Premier League's global revenue will benefit the entire football pyramid.
The EFL seeks a significant financial boost from the Premier League to make the football pyramid more sustainable. The IFR may impose an agreement if talks between the two fail. While Wagner opposes redistribution that could harm the Premier League's competitiveness, he believes the top-flight can grow its revenue and value without compromising its brand or international competitiveness.
