Country | Poland |
Season | 2023 |
The Ekstraklasa, also known as the PKO BP Ekstraklasa due to sponsorship reasons, is the top professional football league in Poland. Founded in 1927, it is one of the oldest football leagues in Europe. The league is managed by the Ekstraklasa S.A., a corporation established in 2005, which took over from the Polish Football Association (PZPN).
The Ekstraklasa consists of 16 teams, each playing a total of 30 matches in a season that runs from July to May. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the I liga, the second-tier league in Poland. The two lowest-placed teams at the end of the season are relegated to the I liga, while the top two teams from the I liga are promoted to the Ekstraklasa.
The league has produced some of Poland's most successful clubs, including Legia Warsaw, Wisła Kraków, and Lech Poznań. These clubs have not only dominated domestically but have also represented Poland in European competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
The Ekstraklasa has seen significant growth and development over the years. In 1995, it transitioned from a spring-autumn to an autumn-spring schedule to align with other European leagues. In 2002, the league was reduced from 18 to 16 teams to increase competitiveness. In 2007, the league introduced a playoff system to determine the champion, a model that was used until 2013.
The Ekstraklasa has also made strides in terms of broadcasting and media coverage. In 2019, it signed a six-year broadcasting deal with Canal+ and TVP, ensuring that all matches are available live on television. The league also has a strong online presence, with a dedicated website and active social media channels.
Despite its challenges, the Ekstraklasa has remained a cornerstone of Polish football. It has produced some of Poland's finest football talents, including Robert Lewandowski, Jakub Błaszczykowski, and Grzegorz Krychowiak, who have gone on to have successful careers in some of Europe's top leagues.
The Ekstraklasa, while not as globally recognized as some of its European counterparts, is a league steeped in history and tradition. It continues to play a crucial role in the development of Polish football, providing a platform for players to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level.
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