Leaked documents regarding the European Super League reveal a financing model similar to US sports leagues, designed to cap spiralling player wages and distribute wealth among its richest clubs. The plans indicate that the 15 "founding clubs" would share 32.5% of commercial revenues, with another 32.5% distributed among all 20 participating teams. An additional 20% would be merit-based, and the final 15% would be allocated based on broadcast audience size. This structure ensures the competition winner receives only 1.5 times more than the bottom team, a stark contrast to Spain's La Liga where the ratio is 3.5 times, while clubs retain gate receipts and club sponsorship revenues.
A key feature of these plans is strict spending limits, with clubs committing to using only 55% of their revenues on "sport spending" like player salaries, transfers, and agent fees. This stands in contrast to typical European clubs that spend 70% to 80% of their income on wages alone. Additionally, a "tax equalisation" clause would normalize income tax on salaries at a 45% rate to prevent competitive disadvantages for clubs in countries with higher tax rates, such as Spain. The Super League aims to generate over €4 billion annually from global broadcasting and sponsorship rights, roughly double the Champions League's revenue, which it intends to supersede.
The project, spearheaded by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, is presented as a solution to financial crises at top clubs, many of which have suffered revenue shortfalls and accumulated debt during the pandemic. The organizers, including US-owned clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool, secured €3.25 billion in financing from JPMorgan Chase. The model also mandates that clubs maintain "positive trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation and net profit" to break from past practices where clubs incurred significant losses to acquire top players. Despite strong opposition from fans, politicians, and football pundits, the Super League architects are pushing forward, emphasizing "solidarity" payments to smaller teams and creating a "sustainable model for the whole of the football pyramid."
