In 2021, it is a mystery as to why the phrase ‘Big Six’ is still being so consistently used. With most individuals having different opinions on what the Big Six means, pundits and certain media outlets still refuse to back down from their biases. It is correct that these teams have the largest fanbases. It is correct that these teams have the most money. But why is that prioritised in regards to a clubs prestige?
The same mentality behind handpicking six teams to represent the best, based on history or revenue, is exactly what led to the introduction of the European Super League. So why is historic success held in higher regard than current success? Why are certain teams still viewed as superior to those they are regularly competing against for Europa League places? And what can this elitist mentality lead to in the future?
The Big Six: A Big Myth?
The Repercussions of the Big Six
If Sky and BT purchased broadcasting rights for England’s top flight in the decade prior, the so-called ‘Big Six’ could have looked very different. Teams like Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa could have skyrocketed in wealth, thus placing them in the league’s financial elite. It is fair to say that due to the growing globalisation of the top league in 1992, the teams that loitered around the higher part of the table had the opportunity to establish their fan bases across the globe.
However, the constant reference of a Big Six leads to an undeserved title of elite, while teams with fewer global fan bases continue to show their footballing ascendancy. It allows said six to place their brand above football; above the rest of the league regardless of performances. The long history of England’s footballing culture and merit is what has led these owners to profit so much from their current teams. Prioritising any brand over merit gives unintentional acceptance to closed-off formations such as the ESL. The concept of six clubs isolating themselves from the English structure is not new. A minority number of pundits and news outlets have partaken in this ideology for years.
Although references to Big Six may seem minuscule when referring to billionaire elitism, they are not. For every pundit or newspaper that enforces this ‘superior club’ mentality, the reach of brand over football grows. If anything helps big business, it is free marketing. Of course, this would have zero impact on us with established support or community connections. But being the biggest sport in the world, there is always a constant flow of new fans; fans both in England and abroad that do not have these same connections. In an evolving sport, fanbases shift. If the Big Six mentality continues, we will continue to see the financial gap grow even further.
Leicester’s Breakthrough
The biggest pin to burst the elitist bubble is Leicester City. Their recent win over Manchester City in the Community Shield is just another reminder that the Foxes continue to surpass many of the Big Six in terms of silverware and league position. In the last five years, they have added a Premier League title and an FA Cup to their newly formed collection, a combo that teams such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur would dream of possessing in recent times.
So why is it necessary for some pundits and presenters to portray these clubs as superior, simply by brand appeal? Those that indulge themselves in the grandeur of footballing culture will be aware that legacy and success are the ultimate goals in football. Something that Leicester currently possess in higher quantity than half of the so-called Big Six. It is about time that the story of a smaller team rising through the ranks to become top of the mountain should be respected, not something to be applauded at the end of one season and then dismissed.
Can the Premier League Learn From Other Countries?
The Premier League is definitely not the first league to push favouritism to an elite few. For decades, both La Liga in Spain and Serie A in Italy have taken this approach. Barcelona and Real Madrid have had a stronghold over the Spanish media and La Liga’s decision making and similarly for Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan in Italy. However, despite their size in regards to fanbases and finances, their respective leagues are currently in jeopardy.
After years of ignoring Financial Fair Play rules to keep the bigger clubs happy, the chickens have come home to roost. The current state of footballing finances across Europe are at the direst state in their history. Dreadful mismanagement at the top along with a global pandemic has placed many of these clubs in financial ruin. This is at a huge detriment to their league. The decision of the leagues to place clubs in favourable positions for short term benefit has led to an unhealthy reliance; a reliance that has stripped these leagues of their expected control. They have anchored themselves to the now sinking ship that is their star clubs. If evolution was left to run its course, then who knows which Spanish and Italian clubs could currently be global outfits.
The Premier League is luckily not this reliant, but it is definitely getting closer by the year. The marketing of the Premier League results in the trickle-down effect that benefits teams throughout the league. The ESL was almost the end of this. In an ideal world, the six clubs that signed up for the ESL have had a moral change of heart since then. Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world. Money is growing more and more influential across our beautiful game. These club owners will not give up their quest for guaranteed profits, regardless of what this means for the rest. They WILL try again and the constant demand of a so-called Big Six will only continue to benefit their ambitions.
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