The English Premier League title was sealed with four games remaining, but Liverpool has had it for much longer.
At the other end of the table, the relegation battle has been even more arduous, with the names of the three relegated clubs being well known for several weeks.
While the race for European qualification continues, the season is coming to an end in a mostly underwhelming manner.
Meanwhile, in America, the NBA playoffs have been non-stop drama, with three of the Western Conference’s lower seeded teams advancing and two games going to a nail-biting Game 7. Last night, the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder were defeated by the Denver Nuggets in a spectacular final.
So, is it time to ask whether the EPL should adopt a playoff system?
Naturally, there would be outrage at first, as there always is with any significant change. However, what matters most for the long-term health of any sport is fan engagement. A playoff system would give the end of the season far more meaning.
Assume the top eight teams in the EPL advance to the playoff round. That would mean Brentford, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Fulham fighting until the end to make the playoffs and have a chance of surprising everyone and winning the league. Wouldn’t it be refreshing?
The EPL has not had a shock winner since Leicester’s victory in 2016. This opens the door for new teams to win the league, including Wrexham if they secure another promotion to the Premier League.
Current League Table
Games would be played over two legs (home and away), with the top seed receiving home advantage in the second leg. Instead of a single FA Cup Final, there would be several winner-take-all matches. The EPL playoffs would be the largest event on the British sporting calendar.
Meanwhile, the bottom six teams could hold their own playoffs, with the losers of three ties being relegated. Right now, Southampton would play Manchester United for the right to stay in the Premier League, while Leicester would face Tottenham.
That would ensure drama until the final day of the season, followed by INCREDIBLE drama in the postseason.
What the EPL could learn from the US, American sports can also learn from the EPL. There are far too many meaningless games in the NBA, NFL, and MLB between teams that have nothing to play for.
That is why the United States should implement a relegation system that keeps everyone on their toes while also providing opportunities for new/smaller teams to rise to the top.
Who doesn’t want to see the Yankees, Lakers, or Chiefs battle for their place in the top league? If your team isn’t winning, there’s nothing more satisfying for fans than watching the richest clubs fall from grace.
Relegation and promotion enable fairy tales like Wrexham to occur. A playoff system would also allow them to compete for the league championship.
