Premier League doubles down on EFL funding offer as 'New Deal' talks gather pace

The Premier League has publicly restated its commitment to concluding a ‘New Deal’ with the EFL as quickly as possible, with a 10-year proposal already presented to EFL clubs that would see annual solidarity payments more than double by 2028-29.

Documents detailing the offer show it includes an increase of £163m per year in solidarity payments to the 72 EFL clubs by 2028-29, up from the current estimate of £134m annually. An additional £81m has also been pledged for the current season alone.

Top-flight clubs gathered for their first shareholders’ meeting of the new season in London on Thursday, where they expressed collective support for reaching an agreement swiftly. “Since a fair and generous proposal was formally offered to the EFL last month, discussions have continued between the leagues’ executives, and it was presented to EFL clubs last week,” a Premier League statement read. “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 phrase “football-led solution” carries deliberate weight. It signals the Premier League’s preference to avoid triggering the Independent Football Regulator’s ‘backstop’ powers — a mechanism that would allow either league to request an imposed settlement if the two sides cannot reach their own agreement.

The IFR is expected to publish its ‘State of the Game’ review within the next few weeks, assessing the financial health of English football. There is a view within the game that the findings could bolster the EFL’s negotiating position. However, EFL clubs have reportedly been cautioned by league executives that invoking the backstop could delay a new agreement by up to two years, with an unpredictable outcome.

The extra funding in the proposal is understood to be conditional on new cost-control agreements, a commitment to reduce Carabao Cup semi-finals to a single leg to ease fixture congestion, and alignment on the Saturday 3pm broadcast blackout ahead of the next domestic television rights cycle.

EFL clubs have been asked to submit feedback on the Premier League’s offer before further meetings scheduled for early next month. The EFL declined to comment while discussions remain ongoing.