Premier League clubs have unanimously approved a funded proposal for a new long-term strategic partnership with the English Football League (EFL), marking a significant step towards reshaping the financial relationship between England’s top two tiers and the wider football pyramid.

The proposal, which is scheduled to come into effect from the 2026/27 season, will now be formally presented to the EFL for discussions with its 72 member clubs. While the framework has received unanimous backing from all 20 Premier League clubs, it will require agreement from the EFL before it can be implemented.

The development comes as English football continues to debate sustainable funding models, financial regulation and the long-term health of clubs outside the Premier League.

The Premier League reiterated that it already has long-term commitments to invest a record £1.6 billion every three years into the wider game and local communities. The league also stated that it remains committed to finding a football-led solution and will continue discussions with the EFL to finalise the partnership.

What the PL and EFL partnership could mean

Although the full financial details of the proposal have not yet been made public, the agreement could have far-reaching implications for English football.

A structured partnership would provide greater financial certainty for Championship, League One and League Two clubs, many of which continue to operate under significant financial pressure. More predictable funding could help clubs invest in infrastructure, youth academies, women’s football and community programmes while reducing the reliance on owner funding.

The proposal also represents another attempt to address the long-running debate over the distribution of football revenues. The relationship between the Premier League and the EFL has been under scrutiny for years, with lower-division clubs seeking a larger share of the wealth generated by the top flight.

For the Premier League, the move reinforces its preference for a football-led agreement rather than one imposed through independent legislation. By working directly with the EFL, the league hopes to create a sustainable model that supports the entire football pyramid while maintaining the commercial strength of the Premier League.

If accepted by EFL clubs, the partnership could become one of the most significant governance and financial reforms in English football in recent years, strengthening the connection between the Premier League and the 72 clubs below it while aiming to secure the long-term future of the English football pyramid.

The proposal now enters its next phase, with discussions between the Premier League and EFL expected to determine the final structure before its planned introduction in the 2026/27 season.