Liga MX Franchise Model: The Permanent Shift Away from Promotion and Relegation
Liga MX operates as a closed league where membership is secured through the purchase of a franchise rather than athletic promotion. Under current regulations, the league maintains a fixed number of teams—currently 18—with no mechanism for teams from the second-tier Liga de Expansión MX to earn promotion to the top flight through league standings.
The Franchise System and Entry Requirements
Entry into Liga MX is governed by a franchise model similar to major North American sports leagues like the NFL or MLB. To join the league, an entity must purchase an existing franchise or acquire a certification from the league’s governing body. According to league bylaws and historical transactions, this process involves significant capital investment and the approval of the league’s assembly of owners.
The “compra de franquicia” (franchise purchase) serves as the primary gateway for new ownership groups. This financial barrier ensures that all participating clubs meet specific economic requirements and infrastructure standards, such as stadium capacity and financial solvency, before being granted a permanent spot in the division.
The Elimination of Ascenso and Descenso
For decades, Mexican football utilized a system of ascenso y descenso (promotion and relegation), where the worst-performing team in the first division was demoted to the second division, and the champion of the second division was promoted. However, Liga MX officially suspended this system in 2020.
The decision to remove relegation was driven by a desire for financial stability. League officials and club owners argued that the risk of relegation discouraged long-term investment in infrastructure and youth academies, as a single poor season could lead to a catastrophic loss of television revenue and sponsorship. By making membership permanent, the league provided owners with a guaranteed platform for commercial growth.
This shift created a structural divide between Liga MX and the Liga de Expansión MX. While the second tier continues to operate as a professional league, it currently lacks a sporting pathway to the top flight. This has led to ongoing tension between the league administration and fans of second-division clubs who advocate for the return of a merit-based system.
Financial Implications of a Closed League
The closed nature of the league directly impacts the valuation of Mexican football clubs. Without the threat of relegation, a franchise becomes a more secure asset for investors. This stability allows clubs to negotiate longer-term broadcasting contracts and commercial partnerships with greater certainty.
The current 18-team structure is designed to optimize the television schedule and maximize match-day revenue. By maintaining a consistent set of participants, the league ensures that high-market teams—such as those based in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey—remain permanent fixtures, which stabilizes the league’s overall viewership and advertising rates.
Comparison of Global League Models
The Liga MX approach represents a departure from the traditional European model but aligns with the “Closed League” philosophy prevalent in the United States. The following table outlines the core differences between these systems:
| Feature | Liga MX Model | European Model (e.g., Premier League) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Method | Franchise Purchase / Certification | Sporting Promotion |
| Relegation Risk | None (Permanent) | Bottom Teams Demoted |
| Financial Focus | Asset Stability & Investment | Sporting Merit & Volatility |
| League Size | Fixed (Currently 18) | Fixed per Division |
Future Outlook and Potential Changes
While the franchise model is currently the law of the land, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and Liga MX leadership have faced recurring pressure to reintroduce a modified version of promotion. Some proposals have suggested a “certification” process where a second-division team must meet strict financial and infrastructure criteria before being eligible for a sporting promotion.
For now, the league remains committed to the permanent franchise structure to protect the investments of the 18 current owners. Any change to this system would require a majority vote from the club owners, who currently prioritize the financial security provided by the absence of relegation.
The next official update regarding the league’s structure and the potential for future expansion or promotion rules is expected during the FMF’s annual general assembly. Fans and stakeholders can follow official announcements via the Liga MX official website.
Do you believe the franchise model helps or hurts the quality of football in Mexico? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
