• Loading stock data...
Friday, May 9, 2025
Join us May 14 at 1 p.m. ET for Future of Sports: Leagues of Their Own Register Now

Super League Allocated Millions Before Failed Launch

  • A group of law firms and agencies were paid before the launch of the failed Super League.
  • The group was paid more than $4.5 million.
Real-Madrid
Real Madrid/Design: Alex Brooks

A group of international law firms and agencies were paid more than $4.5 million prior to the launch of the now-defunct Super League, according to Bloomberg. 

The $4 billion Super League endeavor — which rose and fell in 48 hours back in April — initially launched with 12 teams and had financial backing from JPMorgan in the form of pledged loans. 

Following its launch, the international soccer community, politicians, and governing bodies voiced disdain for the Super League and its repercussions for global soccer. 

Short-Lived and Expensive

The reported six months of time and millions of dollars spent prior to the Super League’s launch is an indication of its lengthy development and projected potential, despite how quickly it dissolved. 

  • London-based law firm Clifford Chance LLP received $2.2 million for legal work.
  • New York-based Latham & Watkins LLP pocketed $1.4 million in fees.
  • Six public relations agencies and two media companies received almost $907,000.
  • Two credit rating agencies split a total of $391,000. 

The six English teams that joined the Super League — Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham — agreed to a $31.1 million settlement in June with the Premier League. 

Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona, along with Italian club Juventus, filed a legal claim in October against UEFA and FIFA, alleging that the two organizations violate European competition law by acting as both regulators and participants that profit from their oversight.

All three continue to advocate for a Super League-style concept.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

July 9, 2009; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons president Joe Dumars during the press conference to introduce their new head coach John Kuester at their practice facility.

Joe Dumars Leaving NBA League Office to Run Pelicans

Joe Dumars was the architect of the 2004 champion Pistons.

Man City Blinks: Fan Pressure Halts Ticket Increases in Rare Move

The powerful club will not raise ticket prices next season.

Reeling Manchester United Turns to Asian Tour for Revenue

The rare postseason tour is set to generate more than $10 million.
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Jan 23, 2025; Paris, FRANCE; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks before the Paris Games 2025 NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers at Accor Arena.

Silver: NBA Will ‘Explore’ European League With FIBA

Silver said the board of governors showed “enthusiastic support.”

Featured Today

exclusive

Shams Charania on Draft, Breaking Dončić Trade, ‘Whirlwind’ ESPN Tenure

Charania will work on his first NBA Draft Lottery for ESPN Monday.
Fat Perez reacts after hitting his shot on the 16th tee during the WHOOP Shot at Glory on the 16th hole at TPC in Scottsdale on Feb. 5, 2025.
May 7, 2025

Golf Influencers Are the New Currency for PGA Tour and LIV

YouTube golf is big business. The rival tours are staging formal events.
Feb 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson talks with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward Mikal Bridges (25), and guard Josh Hart (3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
May 6, 2025

Before the Villanova Knicks, There Were the Kentucky Celtics

Three decades ago, Boston tried its own version of the college-teammate experiment.
Mar 22, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Joao Fonseca (BRZ) reacts after winning a point against Ugo Humbert (FRA)(not pictured) on day five of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 6, 2025

João Fonseca Is a Teen Tennis Phenom. His Parents Are Overseeing His..

The Brazilian is forgoing a management team in favor of his parents.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
August 30, 2024

Premier League Transfer Spending Has Already Topped $2 Billion As Deadline Looms

Saudi Pro League teams haven’t yet matched their English counterparts.
January 13, 2025

Gavin Newsom Reveals Status of 2028 Olympics As Los Angeles Wildfires Roar

Gavin Newsom says there’s a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Los Angeles.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Portfolio Players is our bi-weekly spotlight on the athletes and investors reshaping the business of sports. This week, venture capitalist Kai Cunningham unpacks why athletes land top deals and how the usual investing rules don’t always apply.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
August 1, 2024

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.
John John Florence (USA) surfs in men’s round two competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.
July 29, 2024

Olympic Surfers Won’t Get Their Full Paris Moment

‘We’re kind of separate off on our own little thing over here.’