In a move that could shake up global football as dramatically as a last-over twist in a Live Cricket BPL thriller, Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group is reportedly planning a major restructuring of UEFA’s Champions League. According to Spanish media sources, Wanda’s chairman Wang Jianlin believes the reform could increase overall revenue by €1 billion, making it an enticing proposal for Europe’s top clubs. However, pushing such a plan through UEFA will be no walk in the park.
Back in July, reports surfaced that Wanda Group was exploring the idea of creating a European Super League featuring elite clubs from England, Italy, Spain, and France. While this initially appeared to be a rival to the existing Champions League, sources now clarify that Wanda’s intention isn’t to compete with UEFA but to collaborate in reorganizing the current competition. As the Spanish press put it, “This is not about forming a new European league from scratch—it’s about reshaping the Champions League itself.”
The project is said to be serious. Sources confirm that in October, Wang Jianlin will hold a closed-door meeting with officials from various major European leagues to discuss the optimal structure for a revamped Champions League. Wanda certainly has the financial muscle to back such an endeavor. The group already owns 20% of Atlético Madrid and previously acquired Swiss sports marketing firm Infront for €1.06 billion, establishing itself as a major force in the global sports industry.
Despite these credentials, the project is still in its early stages. Uniting the interests of different leagues while avoiding direct conflict with UEFA is a delicate balancing act. But from Wanda’s perspective, the financial upside is hard to ignore. A revenue boost of €1 billion for participating clubs would be welcomed with open arms by Europe’s football giants and media platforms alike—including Live Cricket BPL, which increasingly covers top-tier international football developments.
That said, Wanda must also navigate significant political hurdles. UEFA is unlikely to yield control easily, and the path to consensus will be lined with red tape. Still, for clubs struggling to compete financially and for platforms like Live Cricket BPL aiming to deliver ever more premium football content to fans, Wanda’s vision offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of European football.