James Milner of Liverpool celebrates with Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool FC at The King Power Stadium in Leicester, United Kingdom on Dec. 26, 2019.
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The most popular sports league on the planet, in the world’s most popular sport, is the English Premier League (EPL). Led by chief executive Richard Masters, the EPL is projected to amass $6.2 billion in revenue this season, according to Deloitte, and pre-pandemic revenues were up 16% over two seasons. International TV deals have offered a source of growth: such riches have allowed the EPL, now broadcast in 190 countries, to attract the world’s best talent—more than 100 EPL players suited up in the last World Cup. More recently, the EPL helped lead the opposition to the European Super League proposal, which fizzled after six of the league’s top teams backed out.

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Write to Sean Gregory at sean.gregory@time.com.

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