La Liga
Spanish football league.
La Liga, officially known as LaLiga EA Sports due to sponsorship reasons, is the top professional football division in Spain and one of the most prestigious leagues in the world. Founded in 1929, it is governed by the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional and features 20 teams competing over a 38-match season from August to May. Each club plays every other team twice, once at home and once away, with three points awarded for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss.
The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Segunda División. The bottom three teams at the end of the season are relegated to the Segunda División, while the top two teams from that division are promoted, along with one additional team that emerges from a playoff involving teams placed third to sixth in the Segunda División.
Historically, La Liga has been dominated by a few clubs, most notably Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Real Madrid holds the record for the most titles, having won 36 championships, including their latest victory in the 2023-24 season. Barcelona has also been highly successful, contributing to a fierce rivalry known as "El Clásico," which is one of the most-watched sporting events globally.
La Liga is renowned for its high-quality football and has produced numerous top players and managers. The league has consistently ranked among the best in Europe according to UEFA coefficients and has seen its clubs achieve significant success in European competitions. Spanish clubs have won the UEFA Champions League more times than any other nation, with a total of 20 titles.
The league's financial structure has evolved significantly over the years, with lucrative broadcasting rights deals contributing to its wealth. This financial power allows clubs to attract top talent from around the world. La Liga also emphasizes youth development and has been instrumental in nurturing some of football's greatest talents.
With an average attendance of approximately 26,933 per match during recent seasons, La Liga remains one of the most popular football leagues globally.