The English Premier League is the world’s richest and highest-profile league – grouping six of the top 10 most valuable clubs of the world. While part of its financial success is due to the billions of petrodollars poured in by oligarchs and millionaires with checkered pasts, the high level of professionalization of the clubs also comes into play. For starters, the clubs themselves own the league, not England’s Football Association. They negotiate broadcasting rights as a united front – and it has become the top source of revenue for the world’s most powerful teams.
According to...