Looking forward, glancing back; competitive balance and the EPL

The formation of the English Premier League (EPL) in 1992 heralded a digital and financial revolution within game. Broadcasting fees rose exponentially, clubs became cash rich attractive purchases for foreign investment. Our paper examines change competitive balance top tier football since inception EPL, focusing on 56 seasons between 1964/65 2019/20. analysis shows that has declined EPL era league begun to be dominated by select number clubs. From sporting economics perspective, received theory suggests such decline could harm product. If continues decline, may face potential future challenges from attractiveness product broadcasters continuing emergence financially (and sporting) dominant super leading breakaway European leagues, as Project Big Picture.