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Norwegian league CEO pushes to play young talent earlier as part of a long-term competitive strategy

PR | Jens Haugland, CEO of Norsk Toppfotball, believes Norwegian club football has become better at considering the business side of the game, while acknowledging there is still room for improvement.

The Recap

Strong performances from Bodø/Glimt and national team have renewed focus on Norwegian football’s talent pipeline, with Jens Haugland, CEO of Norsk Toppfotball, arguing the system is now positioned to convert development into lasting competitive strength.

Data Insight

Norway’s top four clubs still trail leading peers on total squad value with Super League Greece at €461.9 million and the Danish Superligaen at €413.5 million, compared with €244.3 million in the Norwegian Eliteserien.

Why It Matters

For leagues of Norway’s size, disciplined squad value creation is a critical lever to compete internationally, retain key players longer and improve access to European competitions despite structural revenue limits.

The Perspective

Norwegian football’s challenge is to translate standout success into a broader league uplift, strengthening European access and long-term asset creation.

28 January 2026 - 4:52 PM

By Jacob Espensen, Editor, Off The Pitch

Norwegian football is getting attention at the moment for reasons that go beyond a single club’s form.

Bodø/Glimt have just delivered one of the season’s standout European results, beating Manchester City 3-1 in the Champions League, and yesterday the club secured qualification for the Champions League knockout phase with an away win against Atlético Madrid. Norway’s national team have also qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning all

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