In the 2022/23 season, European football witnessed a substantial 16 percent increase in revenues, reaching a staggering 35.3 billion euros ($37.9 billion), as reported by Deloitte. The Premier League emerged as a standout, showcasing its financial prowess amidst this growth.
The combined revenue of Europe's "big five" leagues – Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 – surged by 14 percent from the previous season, totaling 19.6 billion euros. Notably, these leagues collectively reported an aggregate operating profit of 0.5 billion euros, marking the first positive result since the 2018/19 season.
The revenue surge was fueled by multiple factors, including increased matchday earnings and expanded sponsorship agreements across major leagues. In the Premier League alone, clubs saw their revenue climb by 11 percent, surpassing £6 billion ($7.75 billion) for the first time to reach £6.1 billion.
Despite the revenue growth, net debt in the Premier League rose from £2.7 billion to £3.1 billion during the 2022/23 season, primarily due to investments in infrastructure projects.
Both the Bundesliga and Serie A experienced the highest average percentage growth compared to the previous season, each recording a remarkable 22 percent increase in club revenues. Bundesliga clubs collectively generated 3.8 billion euros in revenue, while Serie A clubs amassed a total of 2.9 billion euros.
Deloitte's Sports Business Group highlighted external factors contributing to the financial upswing, including the conclusion of remaining COVID-19 restrictions and the global fervor surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted in Qatar.
Tim Bridge, lead partner at Deloitte's Sports Business Group, pointed out the challenges ahead despite the positive growth, emphasizing the need for unified governance and regulation to maintain competitive balance in an increasingly interconnected global football landscape.
Additionally, the success of England's national team in the 2022 Women's Euros significantly boosted revenues for clubs in the Women's Super League (WSL), with a notable 50 percent growth. Revenue for WSL clubs reached £48 million and is projected to rise to £68 million by the 2024/25 season, underscoring promising growth in the women's game.
Jenny Haskel, knowledge and insight lead at Deloitte's Sports Business Group, noted the strategic focus of WSL clubs on building fan engagement and securing commercial partnerships as key drivers of this revenue surge.
"While substantial progress has been made, particularly in the women's game, there remains ample room for further growth," Haskel added.
The latest Annual Review of Football Finance by Deloitte provides a comprehensive overview of the financial landscape in European football, highlighting both the achievements and ongoing challenges facing the industry as it continues to evolve globally.
