Ecuadorian football attendance and organizational shifts

Ecuadorian football is navigating challenges regarding spectator engagement and organizational growth. Stadium attendance in LigaPro has seen fluctuations, with a recent average of 3,787 spectators per match through matchday 23 of 2026. Fans have attributed declining attendance to rising insecurity and theft near stadiums, a perceived drop in match quality, and the convenience of streaming services.

In response to economic and competitive needs, the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) and LigaPro are discussing a new tournament, potentially titled ‘Copa de la Liga’. This proposal seeks to expand the 2026 competitive calendar and boost revenue via sponsorships and television rights by involving teams from Serie A, Serie B, and the Second Category.

Concurrently, LigaPro leadership has highlighted the organization’s financial growth, noting that LigaPro has generated $236 million since 2018, which president Miguel Ángel Loor stated is $80 million more than the $159 million recorded by the FEF over its 30-year management of the national championship.