European Super League relaunches under new name as UEFA sweat over free to watch proposal

The European Super League is back with a new format and new name as it bids to challenge - and potentially replace - the Champions League.

Three years after the controversial breakaway competition was launched, slapped down by a fan backlash and ultimately abandoned within 48 hours promoters A22 have rejigged the competition to try and appease doubters. According to The Telegraph, under the new 'The Unify League' a total of 96 teams would take part. There would be 16 teams, split into two groups of eight and playing each opponent home and away, in both the top tier Star League and the secondary Gold League.

Two further competitions - Blue and Union - would each have four leagues of eight clubs. The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the elite competition, with two places in the second one and up to five further slots across the remaining pair.

Unlike the first and widely panned Super League concept, which saw the 12 breakaway rebels - including the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester United and Liverpool - guaranteed entry, all positions will be earned by domestic performances in the previous campaign. Two places in the Star League, and seven in Gold, will be earned through a series of play-off rounds, with the winners of the two competitions earning automatic places in the top tier for the following season.

A22 envisages the 14 league phase games being played between September and April. The top four in each group would then reach a two-legged quarter-final stage, with the winners progressing to a “final four” week of one-off matches to provide the winners. Reports have suggested a provisional start date in September 2026.

The prize fund is also yet to be confirmed but A22 -