Premier League's £550m boost meets Six' clubs' resistance

In the sleek conference suite of the Premier League headquarters, executives unfurl a glossy dossier outlining a £550m commercial boost. The plan, unveiled on Sep 10, aims to pool additional sponsor rights and would lift league revenue from £200m to £750m. Comments Sport Matthew Abbott, Sports Writer, highlighted the stakes.

Revenue proposal details

The league proposes to add rights inventory to the package offered to sponsors, such as match‑day perimeter LED boards. Currently, clubs collectively sell some perimeter advertising, which is split equally among all twenty clubs as central payments, while the majority is sold individually. A source said the extra pool could raise annual commercial income to £750m.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are the six clubs generating the highest revenues, each now exceeding £490m. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are the only other clubs that come close, with 2024/25 incomes between £300m and £400m. View 2 Images accompany the report. Image: PA illustrated the revenue gap.

Big Six push back

Manchester United, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is said to view any further pooling of rights as an impediment to expanding its individual income. The Big Six collectively oppose the proposition, reportedly demanding a greater share if the expanded commercial offering passes. Six' clubs argue the move could dilute their bargaining power.

All clubs have already held detailed discussions twice this year, first in February and then at the June AGM. The issue is expected to be addressed at a league shareholders' meeting on 24 Sep. Changes to the league's rulebook require at least fourteen clubs to vote in favour.

Earlier this season, six clubs opposed the new squad cost ratio (SCR) rules, but the quorum overruled them. That sextet then comprised Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Leeds United, not the current Big Six.

Man City and Man United were among a dozen clubs that successfully opposed a spending cap late last year, a proposal based on 4½ times the Premier League's twentieth‑placed club's revenue. Their success shows the Six' ability to shape league policy. Man clubs are keen to protect their interests.

With collective commercial revenues now a hot agenda item, the league's future financial landscape will hinge on whether the Six can convince at least one other club to join their resistance. The outcome will influence how clubs expand revenue streams beyond the SCR rules.