European Super League is Back in New £2.7 Billion ‘Unify League’ Format
In a bold move more than three years after their initial proposal met fierce backlash and swift collapse, A22 has unveiled a revamped football competition model named “The Unify League.”
This new concept aims to address previous criticisms and promises to reshape the landscape of European club football.
Under A22’s plan, 96 teams will participate, divided into two elite tiers: the Star League and the Gold League. Each league will feature 16 teams split into two groups of eight, with clubs facing off in home and away matches.
Additionally, two secondary competitions, Blue and Union, will consist of four leagues of eight teams each, further expanding opportunities for clubs to compete at various levels.
One of the most significant changes from the original concept is the emphasis on meritocracy. Unlike the first Super League proposal, which guaranteed spots for 12 breakaway teams, including the Premier League’s Big Six, The Unify League will allocate positions based solely on domestic performances from the previous season.
This includes two automatic spots in the Star League and seven in the Gold League, with additional opportunities determined through playoff rounds.
The league phase is slated to run from September to April, culminating in a knockout stage where the top four teams from each group will compete for a spot in the “final four” week. This exciting climax will see teams battle for the championship in a series of one-off matches.
A22 has set a provisional launch date for September 2026, though details regarding the prize fund remain under wraps. However, the company has pledged a remarkable £330 million in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and countries, with the total prize pool expected to surpass the current combined funds of the Champions League and Europa and Conference Leagues.
A notable feature of The Unify League is its direct-to-fan streaming service, aptly named the Unify platform. Fans will have two options for viewing: a free, advertisement-supported version and a subscription service offering additional features.
This innovative approach intends to enhance the viewing experience while fostering a stronger connection between clubs and their global fanbases.
A22 is seeking official recognition for its new competitions from UEFA and FIFA, aligning its proposal with a recent European Court of Justice ruling that supports inclusive and meritocratic competitions. A22 representatives have been actively engaging with clubs across Europe, addressing concerns raised during the fallout of their first initiative, which was met with significant political resistance.
Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22, emphasized the company’s commitment to the sustainable growth of football. “Our extensive engagement with key stakeholders revealed pressing challenges facing the sport, including rising subscription costs, an overloaded player calendar, and insufficient investment in women’s football,” he stated. “Our proposal is designed to directly address these challenges.”
As A22 prepares to launch The Unify League, the football world watches closely, eager to see how this ambitious project will unfold and whether it can truly transform the future of club football in Europe.
