Coventry City and Nottingham Forest football clubs have written to the government in support of a new rail link to connect Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham, said Midlands Connect.
The latter is the transport partner of the Midlands Engine and the Midlands' sub-national transport body and is planning the link.
In the letter addressed to the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, signed by Coventry City FC, Nottingham Forest FC and Midlands Connect, the trio point out that currently there is no direct rail connection between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham.
These are three major cities with a combined population of over one million residents. The link would reinstate a direct rail service between them for the first time in 20 years.
"Our aspiration for the three cities on this corridor is to have a direct, half hourly service with a journey time of 40 minutes from Coventry to Leicester (currently 58 minutes) and 70 minutes from Coventry to Nottingham (currently 99 minutes)," they write.
The letter also notes that improved rail connections between the three cities would help reduce emissions from match-going fans by offering supporters a reliable alternative to the car.
It would also increase home and away attendance in the major sports grounds and entertainment venues of the Midlands, providing a boost to the local economy.
Andy Clark, head of rail at Midlands Connect, said: "Currently only 3% of journeys on the Coventry-Leicester-Nottingham corridor are made by train, compared to 30% between better connected cities such as Coventry and Birmingham."
John Taylor, chief operating officer at Coventry City FC, added: "For Coventry City and other football clubs, transporting fans efficiently and sustainably is incredibly important.
"This project will help increase attendance and create an easier journey for people using the Coventry Building Society Arena for non-sporting events.
"Connecting the three major cities is massively beneficial for sports clubs like Coventry City, and other local businesses."
The letter states that reinstating direct rail services will have many benefits not just to sports clubs, but to all
local businesses and transport customers.
If the scheme is to be completed, it is estimated it would drive around £180m of social, environmental and economic improvements, the letter said.