The future of English football is under quiet debate, with some club chiefs pushing for more schedule flexibility to cash in on high-paying friendlies.
Behind closed doors, major shifts in English football are being debated — and not just by top-flight clubs. According to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, club bosses have exchanged WhatsApp messages discussing the possibility of a two-tier Premier League. At the same time, some Championship clubs are considering breaking away from the EFL altogether.
These discussions are gaining traction years after the European Super League collapsed under fan backlash. The motivation? More time and freedom for top clubs to play lucrative overseas friendlies, a move that might require shrinking the Premier League to 16 or 18 teams.
On his *Price of Football* podcast, Maguire explained the idea of creating a “Premier League B,” combining the top Championship clubs with lower-tier Premier League sides. The logic comes from a growing pattern: promoted clubs often drop straight back down, while relegated teams bounce right back up. A two-tier system, some believe, could provide more balance and financial opportunity.
However, resistance is strong from mid-table Premier League clubs. Losing four home matches in a slimmed-down league could mean a major revenue hit for clubs like Brighton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham. Meanwhile, elite clubs like Manchester United can rake in millions from one overseas game, further fueling the inequality.
Maguire emphasized that the Premier League is far from a unified body. Factions within the top 20 clubs have clashing interests, particularly the “big six” compared to the rest. While some are eager for change, persuading the majority to vote in favor of such restructuring is a major obstacle.
There’s also unrest in the Championship. Some club owners resent sharing television revenue with League One and League Two. Currently, 80% of the EFL’s TV income goes to the Championship, with the rest split between the lower divisions. A breakaway could see these clubs push for their own broadcast deals, cutting out the smaller leagues entirely.
Ultimately, Maguire warned that the football pyramid is at risk of fracturing due to short-term thinking and self-interest. As he put it: “When we record episode 3000 of the *Price of Football* in 2034, do I expect to see the current 92-club structure? Not necessarily.”
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