Andrea Radrizzani, owner of Leeds United, has reignited calls for a second tier of the Premier League, arguing that the current Championship model is unsustainable due to vast inequalities in television revenue. Speaking at the Leaders Sport summit, Radrizzani highlighted that his Championship club earned just £7 million in TV income in 2017, while Premier League sides receive a minimum of £100 million per season, despite Leeds attracting larger viewership than some top-flight clubs.
Radrizzani stated that Leeds are penalised for being televised more than 20 times, receiving only £2.5 million from the deal with Sky, despite drawing 500,000 to 600,000 live viewers. He suggested that the system needs reconsideration, noting that other Championship chairmen share his concerns and are open to discussions about reform. The proposal for a 'Premier League 2' echoes a similar rebellion that occurred a decade ago.
The Italian media mogul, who also owns Eleven Sports, criticised the gap between clubs receiving parachute payments and those on lower budgets, calling the Championship model unsustainable. He argued that a new structure could create value and be sustainable even for teams not promoted. Radrizzani claimed Leeds' market value has doubled since he purchased the club for £45 million 17 months ago.
Radrizzani praised manager Marcelo Bielsa for transforming the club's culture and providing strong leadership. Under Bielsa, Leeds have suffered just one defeat in 12 league games, sitting two points off the Championship summit. Radrizzani expressed confidence that the club is progressing and will be ready for promotion soon, if not this season then next.
