Nota de Prensa
TUE 18.08.2026
LALIGA enters the 2026/27 season with new developments shaping the competition both on and off the pitch: the Connected Ball, the increased presence of RefCam and enhanced augmented reality graphics will bring new perspectives to broadcasts, alongside measures designed to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability and social impact.
1. Historic clubs return to a highly competitive LALIGA EA SPORTS
The 2026/27 season kicks off with the return to the top flight of three historic Spanish football clubs: Real Racing Club, RC Deportivo and Málaga CF. The strength in depth across the competition is also reflected in Spain’s World Cup-winning squad, with six LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs featuring at least one World Cup champion.
2. The Connected Ball comes to every LALIGA EA SPORTS match
LALIGA EA SPORTS will become the first professional domestic football competition in the world to implement Connected Ball technology in all its matches this season. Developed together with PUMA and KINEXON, and in collaboration with the CTA, the technology will accurately identify the position of the ball and the exact moment of each contact, providing more precise data to support refereeing decisions and increase transparency.
3. RefCam brings fans closer to the action
RefCam will be used in one match per matchday during the 2026/27 season, offering viewers the referee’s unique perspective. Referees will also take part in interviews before and after matches, and fans will be able to see their preparation in the build-up to matches, just as they do with players. Coverage will also include their interactions with players during the coin toss.
4. New augmented reality graphics
LALIGA is introducing redesigned augmented reality graphics that will display live player and team statistics, attacking zones, heat maps and new metrics. The graphics can also be adapted to each broadcaster’s branding and language, making them easier to tailor for international audiences.
5. New angles with the mini-drone
LALIGA will introduce aerial footage using mini-drones in stadiums where traditional aerial cameras cannot operate. This footage will provide new perspectives of the stadium experience and may be used in match openings and to capture key moments around the match.
6. New rules to speed up matches
New rules for 2026/27 introduce measures to reduce time-wasting and speed up play, with new time limits for substitutions, treatment of injured players and certain restarts. In addition, the scope of VAR intervention has been expanded in certain situations.
7. Evolution of Economic Control
LALIGA continues to evolve its Economic Control model, introducing new measures designed to provide clubs with greater flexibility while safeguarding financial sustainability. Clubs/SADs will be permitted to renew the contract of one player per season even when they do not have sufficient financial fair play capacity, helping them retain talent. In addition, shareholders may contribute up to €2 million for investment in youth academies and/or women’s football without this expenditure counting towards the squad cost limit.
8. The LALIGA Cities Network expands its reach
Following its launch at the end of last season, the LALIGA Cities Network will expand its activities during the 2026/27 season to strengthen collaboration between LALIGA, the FEMP, city councils and clubs. The initiative will promote educational programs, workshops and awareness-raising activities in cities with LALIGA clubs, using the reach of football to combat hate, with a particular focus on racism and bullying. It will also promote safer and more inclusive environments.
9. New protocol against discrimination and harassment
LALIGA will introduce a new Protocol Guide this season to strengthen the prevention and management of discrimination, harassment and conduct of a sexual nature in stadiums. The guide will provide clubs with a common framework for action and introduce measures including Purple Points and Purple Rooms.
10. LALIGA expands its social commitment
Through FUNDACIÓN LALIGA, the Futura Afición programme will incorporate new educational materials developed in collaboration with AEPAE to help prevent and address bullying among children and young people. In addition, Ligue d’Égalité will expand to Ethiopia in the 2026/27 season, further extending its presence in Africa. The project promotes equal access to football for girls and young women, while supporting women’s leadership through the training of female coaches.
Together, these ten developments underline LALIGA’s commitment to enhancing the fan experience while building a more innovative, competitive and sustainable competition, with a strong social commitment both on and off the pitch.
© LALIGA - 2026