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Liga MX closes Ascenso, creates developmental league

By Thomas Buckley

Atlético San Luis was the last Ascenso MX team to earn promotion to Liga MX. The Tuneros defeated the Dorados of Sinaloa in both the Apertura 2018 and the Clausura 2019 seasons to win automatic promotion. (Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Atlético San Luis was the last Ascenso MX team to earn promotion to Liga MX. The Tuneros defeated the Dorados of Sinaloa in both the Apertura 2018 and the Clausura 2019 seasons to win automatic promotion. (Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Liga MX expansión
Diego Maradona served as coach of the Dorados of Sinaloa for two seasons – leading them to two Finals – and his presence boosted the profile of the Sinaloa club. But interest in other Ascenso MX clubs waned considerably. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /

Liga MX will serve as patron of Liga de Expansión

On Friday, Mexican soccer authorities unanimously approved the new Liga de Expansión and confirmed the financing that would be provided. The Liga MX and FMF will provide 60 million pesos to the 12 remaining clubs so they can take care of current accounts.

Over each of the next five years, the developmental league will receive 240 million pesos that each club must use to modernize operations and infrastructure (stadiums as well as training grounds) and to establish fiscal stability. Club spending will be audited.

Liga MX will also negotiate TV rights collectively with an eye on revenue equity while both regional and national broadcasts will be sought. Current TV contracts for Ascenso MX have only benefited a few teams and has resulted in narrowing exposure for the league.

The path to a 20-team league will be determined at a later date, though it is likely that at least four teams will come from the Liga Premier, a separate second division league. The other four teams will probably be new franchises affiliated with Liga MX clubs.

Player eligibility has yet to be determined, but the primary goal is to provide a system whereby U-23 players can develop after they’ve aged out of U-20 rosters at Liga MX clubs. Specific age limits and eligibility of foreign players will be decided at a later date.

The age restriction idea has been a sticking point thus far as 240 players on the rosters of Ascenso MX teams would be ineligible to play in the Liga de Expansión if a hard U-23 limit is imposed.

As for the eligibility of foreigners, one vague notion floated is that they must demonstrate commitment to the Liga de Expansión and a willingness to help young players develop. No word on how that might be “enforced.”

Next. The best of the Super Clásicos. dark

So, it’s apparent that there is still a great deal of work to do. But if this is done properly, Mexico (and El Tri) could see more effective player development.

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