Premier League presses for EFL funding deal this season

The Premier League has renewed its push for a funding agreement with the English Football League (EFL), saying discussions are continuing after its proposal was presented to EFL clubs last week. A deal would increase the money flowing from the top flight to lower division clubs during the current season.Premier League clubs discussed the proposed strategic partnership at a shareholders’ meeting on September 24. They had unanimously approved a funded proposal in July, which was subsequently offered to the EFL and discussed by executives from both leagues.The Premier League said: “The Premier League remains committed to concluding a football-led solution as soon as possible so additional money can flow to EFL clubs this season.”The statement establishes that talks remain active, but does not announce an agreement or indicate whether EFL clubs support the offer. The EFL’s 72 member clubs must consider how any new distribution model would affect clubs across the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as its long-term sustainability.The Premier League described its proposal as “fair and generous”. Reports when clubs approved it in July said it could provide an additional £1.5bn to the wider pyramid over 10 years, although the leagues have not jointly announced an agreed funding package.The EFL said in July that its board would assess the proposal’s benefits, implications and alignment with the interests of its clubs before discussing next steps with members. Its position underlines that approval by Premier League shareholders was one stage in the process, rather than the completion of a deal between the competitions.The dispute has run for years, with the leagues seeking to resolve how revenue from the top flight should support clubs below it. The Premier League says it already commits £1.6bn every three years to the wider game and communities, while the proposed partnership would create an additional funding arrangement for the EFL.There is also a regulatory consequence to continued deadlock. The Independent Football Regulator has powers to intervene in financial distribution between the leagues if they cannot agree, giving both sides an incentive to settle the terms themselves.The immediate question is whether the Premier League’s offer can secure enough support across the EFL to put a new system into operation during 2026/27. Until the leagues reach an agreement, the additional payments the Premier League wants to make this season cannot begin.