Commercial Power Play: AFC Expands Champions League to 32

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has just announced a massive restructuring, recommending the expansion of the AFC Champions League Elite from 24 to 32 teams starting in 2026-27. This move is a calculated commercial expansion designed to drive up TV broadcasting rights, secure more high-profile sponsorships, and increase the sheer volume of competitive fixtures in the region.

While Asia aggressively scales its premium product, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) often struggles to effectively commercialize its inter-club competitions. A tournament's value lies in its volume and regional tribalism. For Ghanaian clubs like Hearts of Oak or Asante Kotoko, African football remains a financial black hole where travel costs exceed prize money due to poor commercial structuring.