China-based Dalian Wanda Group is "backing plans to launch a rival" to the UEFA Champions League, pushing for European leagues and clubs to join a "new competition that would redraw the power structure and finances at the top of the sport," according to Murad Ahmed of the FINANCIAL TIMES. Dalian Wanda said that it is "in talks with the game's power brokers across the continent to create a breakaway tournament." Wanda is promising "more places for the sport’s heavyweight teams and a steep increase in broadcasting rights revenues." Wanda Sports Holding Strategic Dir Marco Bogarelli said that the company's aim "was to gain participation from the national leagues in Europe's 'big five' TV markets -- England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany." Bogarelli: "Many talented players are deciding to play in Asia instead of coming to Europe. High quality global journalism requires investment. One day Asia will have the money for Cristiano Ronaldo to play there. ... It is in the common interest for these five leagues to have football growing in Europe (in order to) maintain its leadership." Bogarelli added that talks "have begun with Spain's LaLiga and Italy's Serie A, with plans to initiate discussions" with the EPL, Germany's Bundesliga and France's Ligue 1 after Euro '16 ends. Ahmed notes Wanda also "hopes to win backing from UEFA," but is "willing to propose a separate competition should it object to the plans." Wanda’s proposal is to "create a single expanded competition that would feature more than 32 teams, but fewer than 64." Wanda said that its proposed competition "would be more attractive to broadcasters, creating more high-profile clashes that would attract audiences in Europe's largest markets, with revenues expected to rise" 30-35% (FINANCIAL TIMES, 7/8).
