Should the Premier League and EFL Reunite? A Debate on English Football Future

The English football landscape is at a crossroads, with calls to reunite the Premier League (PL) and the English Football League (EFL) gaining momentum. Since the PL formation in 1992, its revenue has skyrocketed—rising from £45 million in 1993 to £3.5 billion in 2023—while the EFL share has dropped from 75% of the PL's earnings to just 6%. Financial disparities have widened, with the revenue gap between the PL and the Championship growing from £4 billion in 2022 to £5.3 billion in 2025.

The Premier League (PL) has seen tremendous financial growth since its 1992 breakaway from the English Football League (EFL), but this separation has led to a widening economic gap. In 1993, the PL's central income was £45 million, while the EFL received £34 million—about 75% of the PL’s revenue. By 2023, the PL generated £3.5 billion, while the EFL earned just over £200 million, a mere 6% of the top-flight's earnings. This disparity has created financial instability, with 60 insolvencies in English football since 1992, including clubs like Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Leicester City.

Critics argue reintegrating the leagues could bridge this gap, create a single governance structure, and unify media rights sales for greater financial leverage. The Premier League’s commercial success, fueled by global broadcasting deals, has led to a wage increase of £850 million since 2022, while parachute payments to relegated teams distort Championship competition. Some suggest merging the PL and Championship into a two-tier Premier League, ensuring better financial distribution.

Opponents claim reintegration would slow the PL’s success and that the EFL should focus on maximizing its own revenues. With the UK government set to introduce an independent football regulator, discussions continue on whether a united league could better balance football’s financial health and competitive fairness.