Premier League's SCR era begins as revenue-linked spending rules replace PSR

Friday evening brings the return of the Premier League and, with it, nine months of twists, quality and controversy. But as eyes turn to the pitch, the division resumes under a radically altered financial landscape — one set to shape events in the 2026-27 season and well beyond.

Profit and sustainability rules (PSR), first introduced in 2013, are out. Squad cost ratio (SCR) rules are in. So too, to far less fanfare, are sustainability and systemic resilience (SSR) rules.

A vote won by the bare minimum

At a vote by Premier League clubs in November 2025, the shift to an SCR regime was passed — barely. Fourteen clubs, the minimum needed to approve rule changes, voted in favour. Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Leeds United were the dissenting six.

That vote had been preceded by a separate one on top-to-bottom anchoring (TBA), which looked to impose a maximum, league-wide limit on squad costs. It was voted down 12 to seven, with one abstention. The much less contentious SSR was passed unanimously.

How the new rules work

SCR directly targets clubs' spending on players and head coaches, spanning wages, transfer fees and agent costs. The Premier League has set its limit at 85 per cent of annual turnover plus an average of player profits over the past three seasons — 15 per cent higher than UEFA's level, a decision the league said would