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TL;DR Teams included in the ESL already dominate European football on a regular basis
- 8 of 12 ESL teams were in last year’s last 16, 3 in quarter finalists, 0 semi finalists, 0 finalists (Bayern)
- 2019 - both finalists, 3/4, semi finalists, 6/8 quarter finalists
- 2018 - both finalists, 2/4 semi finalists, 5/8 quarter finalists
- 2017 - both finalists, 3/4 semi finalists, 4/8 quarter finalists
- 2016 - both finalists, 3/4 semi finalists, 4/8 quarter finalists
- 2015 - both finalists, 3/4 semi finalists, 4/8 quarter finalists
- 2014 - both finalists, 3/4 semi finalists, 5/8 quarter finalists
- 2013 - 0 finalists (Bayern), 2/4 semi finalists, 3/8 quarter finalists
- 2012 - 1 finalist (winner from ESL teams), 3/4 semi finalists, 4/8 quarter finalists
- 2011 - both finalists, 3/4 semi finalists, 6/8 quarter finalists
- 2010 - 1 finalists (winner from ESL teams), 2/4 semi finalists, 4/8 quarter finalists
The ESL was intended to provide a platform for the very best teams in Europe to compete with on a regular basis. The UEFA Champions League allows this to happen but, from an entertainment perspective, would it not be nice to see it every year? The history of the UCL shows that ESL teams are almost always at the in the final stages of the competition (2020 and 2013 are the outliers which both feature Bayern Munich). This year's competition has 3 ESL teams in the quarter finals. If Bayern Munich could be persuaded to join the ESL then the dominance of the UCL teams would be further reinforced, thus legitimising the premise of the ESL.
Watching these teams play against each other is brilliant when it does happen. So why would you not wanted it guaranteed each year?
- [UEFA History of the Competition] (https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/seasons/2020/)
TL;DR: The ESL would decrease competition
Football is one of the most watched sports in the world because it is a competitive game and you earn titles and accolades from sporting merit. Without the threat of relegation, the ESL would not be any more competitive than current domestic and European league formats.
Creating a closed shop would take away an element of competition and would take away the hopes and dreams of clubs from reaching the summit of footballing greatness.
The participating clubs would likely financially benefit more than those clubs that would not participate. Creating a financial wall within thin the domestic leagues and reducing competition further.
The biggest teams playing against each other does not guarantee entertainment
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