The controversial European Super League (ESL) has re-emerged under a new banner: the Unify League.
This rebrand aims to change the football landscape by offering a more inclusive and fan-focused alternative to UEFA’s Champions League, promising free streaming options and a Netflix-style platform for matches.
Unify League: A New Vision for European Football
The Unify League is the brainchild of A22 Sports, a Madrid-based company closely tied to Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
Unlike the original 2021 Super League proposal, which faced global backlash for its elitist structure, the Unify League emphasises merit-based annual qualification for all four of its tiers.
This revamped format aims to feature 96 teams, fewer than the 108 that participate across UEFA’s three competitions, with clubs competing in four tiers: Star League, Gold League, Blue League, and Union League.
📣NEWS: Today, we submitted our proposal for official recognition of a new European competition to UEFA and FIFA: introducing the Unify League, with modified qualification system based on domestic league performance.https://t.co/M72nhYtJ2o
Watch CEO Bernd Reichart explain: pic.twitter.com/yN81V5NVcI— A22 Sports (@A22Sports) December 17, 2024
How It Works
- Top Tiers: The Star and Gold Leagues will each include 16 teams divided into two groups of eight. Clubs will play home and away fixtures, totalling 14 group-stage matches.
- Knockout Rounds: The top two teams from each group advance to a quarter-final, followed by single-game semi-finals and a final at a neutral venue.
- Streaming Platform: Matches will be available on an app with two viewing models: a free option supported by advertising or a paid subscription without ads, similar to Spotify.
The league champion will play 18 matches in total from the group stages through to the final.
A Legal and Financial Pivot
The Unify League organisers are requesting UEFA’s formal approval to operate the competition, citing a European court ruling from December 2023.
The ruling implies that UEFA cannot prevent independent leagues from forming under EU competition law.
John Hahn, co-founder of A22 Sports, expressed optimism, stating, “We have listened intently to a broad group of clubs, leagues, and fans. With these changes, we believe we have strong support.
“We are not expecting public endorsements from clubs until official recognition of the Unify League.”
A22 also pledges affordability, with Hahn stating that the subscription costs will be “meaningfully cheaper” than current options for accessing European football competitions.
Challenges and Support
Of course, the rebranded project faces a lot of skepticism. The original Super League’s closed model, involving 12 elite clubs—six from the Premier League—sparked widespread protests from fans and football organisations.
The Unify League is distancing itself from that model, emphasising open qualification and fan accessibility.
As of now, the proposal has the explicit backing of Real Madrid and Barcelona, with other clubs likely to weigh in if UEFA approval is secured.
Ultimately, its success depends on UEFA’s decision, the support of clubs and fans, and its ability to deliver on its promises.
