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Football Money League
Deloitte Sports Business Group
January 2021
A
Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Top 20 clubs
We estimate that those clubs
in this year’s Money League
will have missed out on over
€2 billion of revenue across
the 2019/20 and 2020/21
seasons. This is primarily driven
by matchday revenue, due to
the absence of fans, but also
rebates to broadcasters and
some commercial impacts as
well as the lost potential to
continue their previous growth
trajectory over the period.
B
Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Contents
Contents
Introduction 02
Ups and downs 11
Money League clubs positions 1-10 12
Testing times 32
Money League clubs positions 11-20 34
Out of their seats 54
The leading view on the business of football 56
Deloitte Football Intelligence Tool 58
Edited by Sports Business Group
Dan Jones Telephone: +44 (0)161 455 8787
PO Box 500, 2 Hardman Street,
Sub-editor Manchester, M60 2AT, UK
Calum Ross E-mail: sportsteamuk@deloitte.co.uk
www.deloitte.co.uk/sportsbusinessgroup
Authors
Theo Ajadi, Tim Bridge, Chris Hanson, January 2021
Tom Hammond and Zal Udwadia
01
Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Introduction
Introduction
Welcome to the 24th edition of the Deloitte Football Money League, our most
challenging to produce to date. Whilst it continues to profile the highest revenue
generating clubs in world football and remains the most contemporary and reliable
independent analysis of the clubs’ relative financial performance, it also reflects the
implications of the unprecedented disrupted 2019/20 season and we have remained
cognisant of the impact of COVID-19 throughout this publication.
As the potential effects of COVID-19 ending in 2020 reflecting the majority of This year, as in previous years, the
became clearer in the first quarter of the 2019/20 season. As a result, assessing financial information in this publication is
2020, causing global economic and social the comparability and relative performance from the annual financial statements of
disruption, professional football was no between clubs in this year’s Money League clubs or sourced directly from clubs. The
exception. Governments around the world is uniquely challenging this time around. unprecedented impact of the COVID-19
responded to the pandemic in different pandemic has led to some different
ways at different speeds and to varying In this edition, whilst we have published accounting treatments between clubs
degrees, including enforcing national the Money League rankings as usual, we for the financial year ending in 2020.
lockdowns, closing sports venues and have also sought to highlight where clubs’ Throughout this introduction, and within
stadia, and on the whole, at least initially, revenues were specifically impacted and individual club pages, we will provide
prohibiting sporting events. As professional where this may well have, in a more normal guidance on how one can interpret the
sport made a return, extended restrictions year, meant revenues (and hence rankings) financial information, highlighting potential
on mass gatherings and non-essential were different. We also consider the effects areas of inconsistency as well as helping to
travel also meant that fans could not attend of COVID-19 on clubs’ operations and understand the comparability of revenue
matches even when they were permitted to business models, provide insight into the across the Money League.
take place and many of these restrictions changing strategic priorities of clubs and
remain in place or have been reintroduced explore the collective and individual actions
in the early stages of 2021 having taken by stakeholders to adapt during the We Didn’t Know
previously been eased later in 2020. global pandemic. When analysing the financial information
in this publication it is important to
Leagues across the world had different understand that clubs typically have
ways of adapting to the challenges faced. For Once in My Life a financial year covering the entirety
Many opted to postpone matches until they There are a number of metrics, both of domestic and international club
could take place under safer conditions, financial and non-financial, that can competition seasons (as scheduled prior
some were terminated (with final standings be used to compare clubs, including to COVID-19). For most European clubs,
determined using different methodologies) attendances, worldwide fan base, social this is typically a financial year to May or
and others annulled entirely. Each outcome media following and on-pitch performance. June, meaning that one season’s worth
had ramifications with broadcast and In the Money League we record clubs’ of matchday, broadcast and commercial
commercial partners alike, many of which ability to generate revenue from matchday revenue would be captured in each
sought rebates on rights fees for the (including ticket and corporate hospitality financial year, allowing comparability
changes to the delivery of the on-pitch sales), broadcast rights (including between clubs across multiple seasons.
product. The outcome pursued by the distributions from participation in domestic Clearly, this is challenging for the 2019/20
respective leagues and the reaction of leagues, cups and UEFA club competitions) season as a result of the varying decisions
their broadcast and commercial partners, and commercial sources (e.g. sponsorship, made by leagues in respect of the season
therefore, had a significant impact on merchandising, stadium tours and other and the differing accounting treatments
clubs, not least on revenue generated (and commercial operations). adopted by clubs referred to above.
hence recognised) in the financial year
02
Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Introduction
The challenges in making comparisons • the lowest position theoretically Regular readers of the Money League
between clubs in this edition of the Money achievable (i.e. if the club lost all of its will know that performance in UEFA club
League are most prominent in respect of remaining fixtures). competitions is a critical factor for the club
broadcast revenue. Clubs that completed rankings. This year, it continues to
the full league campaign within their Each scenario can have a have a significant impact, but
respective financial years – such as those significant effect on the with the added complexity
in the Bundesliga (which concluded in revenue recognised in the in respect of on-pitch
June 2020) – recognised the majority of financial year. performance and the
domestic broadcast distributions in their
financial statements for the year ending The disruption caused by
€8.2 billion timing of matches relative
to clubs’ financial year-
Generated by this year’s
in 2020 in line with previous years. Other COVID-19 also meant that top 20 Money League clubs ends. It will take at least
clubs that completed a longer campaign for the majority of leagues, another financial year for
2018/19: €9.3 billion
that ran into July (such as the Premier the number of matches the impact of the timing of
Down 12%
League, Serie A and La Liga), will recognise agreed to be delivered over UEFA distributions to wash
the 2019/20 season’s broadcast revenue a specified period was varied. through, before allowing for
over two financial years (ending in 2020 As a result, broadcasters in some easier comparison between clubs
and 2021), net of any rebates, meaning countries have sought to negotiate a across a combined two-year period.
that only a proportion is recognised in this rebate on rights fees, and the amounts
year’s Money League, with the remainder leagues can distribute to clubs has, As live football returned, matches
falling into the next edition. Whilst some therefore, been reduced. were largely broadcast without fans in
clubs (such as those in Ligue 1) suffered attendance, with the strange sight of empty
reduced broadcast revenue because the Matches in UEFA club competitions seats and lack of crowd atmosphere. The
league campaign was terminated resulting – the UEFA Champions League and UEFA financial impact of fans absence will be fully
in rebates to broadcasters. Europa League - were also postponed, reflected in next year’s Money League and
during the Round of 16 fixtures. The depends, in no small part, on the timing
There are further complexities regarding Finals – typically the last fixtures in the and scale of fans return; with the hope
the composition of broadcast revenue. The competitive European club competition being a return to full stadia in 2021 as soon
revenue distribution model in most leagues calendar – took place in August as opposed as public health and safety considerations
includes an element of reward that is to May or early June. Those clubs who allow. Those clubs traditionally at the
based on a club’s final league position. With managed to complete their Round of 16 top of the Money League will be most
many clubs’ year-ends falling before the matches before the postponement and impacted in absolute revenue terms, even
2019/20 season was completed, there are in front of a live audience, were able to though smaller, particularly lower league,
a number of ways in which the recognition recognise both the associated matchday clubs have potentially suffered more in
of these amounts has been interpreted and majority of broadcast revenue in the relative terms. Matchday operations are a
with reference to respective accounting financial year ending in 2020. Those clubs cornerstone of a club’s business model and
standards. For example, a club might that were still in the competition after the also help drive other revenue generating
recognise a proportion of the full league restart, will recognise revenue generated activity. Whilst we expect that many fans
campaign’s broadcast revenue based on: from performance in the competition over will want to return to their old habits, it
two financial years (ending in 2020 and remains uncertain how quickly and easily
• the club’s actual league position at its 2021). This means that the next edition of the revenue generating ability of clubs will
financial year-end; the Money League is likely to be a “bumper return to pre-pandemic levels.
year” in respect of broadcast revenue,
• the position the club would have assuming no further disruption or delay, as From a commercial perspective, matches
historically achieved in previous seasons some clubs will also be able to recognise being played behind closed doors forced
with its points total at the year-end; or a full season of revenue in relation to the a rapid and significant shift to digital
2020/21 season in the financial year ending platforms as the only way to interact
in 2021. and engage with fans, and activate the
03
Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Introduction
sponsorship rights of, commercial partners. Travelin’ Man Premier League
Those clubs who had already taken steps Before analysing the financial performance
to work in a more digital manner benefitted of the Money League clubs, it is important • Commenced a new domestic and
from a more seamless transition. Whilst to understand the impact of COVID-19 international broadcast rights cycle for
the 2019/20 – 2021/22 cycle, worth a
this might not provide immediate revenue on the 2019/20 seasonal calendar, fan
reported £1.7 billion and £1.5 billion per
generating benefits, when normality attendances and broadcast rights across season respectively (total combined
returns, the combination of matchday leagues that contain clubs in this year’s uplift of c.8% in value compared to the
previous cycle).
attendance and digital engagement could publication as illustrated opposite.
be compelling. • Postponed on 13 March 2020.
• Resumed (behind closed doors) on
The impact of the pandemic on commercial Superstition
17 June 2020.
partnerships across clubs varies This year’s edition of the Money League
significantly, depending on individual saw the top 20 clubs generate €8.2 billion • Completed (behind closed doors) on
26 July 2020.
contractual arrangements between clubs of revenue, an average of €409m per club
and partners, as well as the strength and a decline of 12% compared to last • Broadcast revenue for 2019/20 season
of relationships, which should not be year’s top 20 which generated revenue of recognised over two financial years.
underestimated. The broadcasting of €9.3 billion (an average of €464m per club).
• Broadcast rights rebate of a reported
additional matches, in most cases to a This year’s Money League is still the third c.£330m, shared proportionately
wider audience, has helped to placate most highest total ever across the top 20 clubs. between clubs, with cash flow impact
deferred over the remaining period of
commercial partners. However, certain
the rights cycle.
sponsorship arrangements may not be as The cumulative decline in revenue (€1.1
straightforward to satisfy, with those clubs billion) was predominantly a result of the
that are most innovative and adaptable, decrease in broadcast revenue of €937m
best placed to mitigate any potential (down 23%), through a combination of UEFA club competitions
commercial revenue losses. deferrals of broadcast revenue into the
following financial year ending in 2021 • Postponed in mid-March 2020, part way
Such clubs were able to identify new and broadcaster rebates in relation to through the Round of 16 fixtures, which
were completed in early August 2020.
methods of delivering rights to commercial the 2019/20 season. Matchday revenue
partners, including hosting virtual events, fell €257m (down 17%), largely in line with • Remaining knock-out fixtures were
or amending the commercial rights sold, the proportion of matches postponed. played as single-match knockout ties
at neutral venues in Lisbon, Portugal
for example offering sponsorship of these Impressively, commercial revenue
(Champions League) and across four
events or other bespoke digital inventory, increased by €105m (up 3%) to again cities in Germany (Europa League)
such as those associated with esports. (temporarily) become the most significant between 7 to 23 August 2020 (behind
closed doors).
Other more typical approaches included contributor to revenue after a three-year
extending existing contracts to ensure break, thanks to the commencement of a • Broadcast rebates in respect of the
services would still be provided (just at a number of new major commercial deals 2019/20 season of a reported €575m for
the disruptions to the season.
later date). Nonetheless, some revenue across the Money League, combined
was still unavoidably lost. A proportion of with clubs’ ability to successfully mitigate • Broadcast revenue for clubs knocked out
sponsors defaulted on contracts through losses despite the closure of stadia and of 2019/20 UEFA club competitions prior
to postponement largely recognised in
financial difficulties, often induced by the associated facilities, merchandise stores
one financial year.
impact of COVID-19 on their own industry, and the cancellation or postponement of
whilst others whose benefit is derived matches, stadium tours and major events • Broadcast revenue for clubs knocked
out of UEFA club competitions after the
mainly from corporate hospitality or from (such as concerts).
postponement recognised over two
fan presence in the stadia, pursued rebates financial years.
from clubs. On a club-by-club basis, only two clubs in
the Money League generated an increase
in revenue (in local currency) in this year’s
04
Bundesliga
• Postponed on 13 March 2020.
• Resumed (behind closed doors) on
16 May 2020.
• Completed (behind closed doors) on
27 June 2020.
• Broadcast revenue for 2019/20 season
largely recognised in one financial year.
• Minimal broadcast rights rebate in
respect of the 2019/20 season as a result
of the completed season.
Russian Premier League
• Postponed on 17 March 2020.
• Resumed (with limitation on attendance
– 10% of capacity) on 19 June 2020.
• Completed (with limitation on attendance
– 10% of capacity) on 22 July 2020.
• Minimal impact on broadcast rights
values. Remainder of 2019/20 matches
broadcast free-to-air.
• Broadcast revenue for 2019/20 season
recognised over two financial years.
La Liga Ligue 1 Serie A
• Commenced a new domestic broadcast • Postponed on 13 March 2020. • Postponed on 9 March 2020.
cycle from 2019/20 to 2021/22 worth
a reported €1.2 billion per season for • Cancelled on 28 April 2020. • Resumed (behind closed doors) on
La Liga and La Liga 2 (uplift of c.15% 20 June 2020.
compared to the previous cycle) and • Announced on 30 April 2020 that league
new international broadcast cycle from rankings would be decided on a points • Completed (behind closed doors) on
2019/20 to 2023/24 worth a reported per game basis. 2 August 2020.
€0.9 billion per season (uplift of c.38%
compared to the previous cycle). • Broadcast revenue for 2019/20 season • Broadcast revenue for 2019/20 season
recognised in one financial year. recognised over two financial years.
• Postponed on 12 March 2020.
• Domestic broadcast rights rebates • Sky Italia is reported to be withholding
• Resumed (behind closed doors) on reported to be c.€73m (Canal Plus) payment of c.€130m in respect of
11 June 2020. and c.€31.4m (beIN Sports), as well as domestic broadcast rights after
international broadcast rights rebate requesting a 15-18% reduction as a result
• Completed (behind closed doors) on reported to be €18.5m (beIN Sports), to of the delayed season. A court ruling
19 July 2020. be split between all clubs. on the dispute with Serie A is expected
imminently, whilst the league managed
• Broadcast revenue for 2019/20 season • The Ligue de Football Professionnel to reach an agreement with DAZN (the
recognised over two financial years. (LFP) secured government guaranteed league’s other domestic broadcaster) in
loans to make up for the shortfall in respect of the fulfilment of its obligations.
• Broadcast rights rebate reported to be distributions to clubs. These loans
c.€100m and split between all clubs are to be repaid within five years and
repayments are to be offset against
future broadcast rights income. Source: Trade press; competition organisers;
Deloitte analysis.
05
Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Introduction
edition (FC Zenit and Everton). Of the 18 domestic campaign Only two clubs in the reportedly see the
Money League top 20 saw
clubs to experience a decline in revenue, was completed in overall international
an increase in revenue
seven dipped by less than 10%, ten saw the financial year, compared to the rights value fall from
revenue drop between 11-20% and one with the lost revenue previous year c.€250m in 2019/20
experienced a fall of over 20%. This is predominantly as a result of to c.€200m (down 20%)
unsurprisingly a dramatically different the prolonged UEFA campaign in 2020/21. Whilst this was
landscape to the previous year, where and lost matchday revenue. This largely as a result of being unable
only two clubs in the Money League saw a resulted in an average revenue decline to finalise a deal in the Middle East and
decrease in revenue (both less than 10%). of just 3% for Bayern, Dortmund and North Africa over ongoing piracy concerns.
Frankfurt, whilst Schalke 04’s revenue Broadcast rights values also reportedly fell
Ligue 1 Money League clubs (Paris Saint- fell by 31% due to poorer on-pitch by approximately a third in Asia (outside
Germain and Olympique Lyonnais) on performance and failure to qualify for of China) and over 90% in Latin America.
average suffered a 16% decline in revenue, 2019/20 UEFA club competitions. A proportion of these losses were offset
largely as a result of the early termination of by an increase in North America, as a
the league campaign and the subsequent In our most recent Annual Review of long-term strategic partnership with ESPN
deferral of Champions League broadcast Football Finance, released in June 2020, commenced. The value of the international
revenue for both clubs. This decline would we predicted that the revenue of the ‘big rights of the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga
have been greater had the LFP not secured five’ leagues (other than the Bundesliga) is reportedly expected to decline further in
government guaranteed loans to make up would decline by between 9-17% in this 2021/22, by between €25-40m (12.5-20%).
for the shortfall in distributions to clubs. financial year, which is broadly the level of
revenue decline seen across the club data There is the potential for significant change
The four Bundesliga clubs in the Money received so far. The speed of growth and in the Italian football landscape during
League (Bayern Munich, Borussia relative financial scale of each league has 2021 as Serie A is in the advanced stages
Dortmund, Schalke 04 and Eintracht largely been driven by broadcast revenue, a of finalising private equity investment in
Frankfurt) were the least impacted recurring theme in many previous editions a new entity that will manage its media-
among the ‘big five’ leagues as the of the Money League, albeit a decrease rights operations. The league has just
on this occasion. Any long-term impact of launched its domestic broadcast rights
the pandemic on broadcast rights values tender for the next rights cycle from the
Matchday revenue may well determine the state of recovery in 2021/22 season, setting itself a challenging
17% future editions of the Money League. target to secure a minimum of €1.15 billion
Down €257m per season (an 18% uplift on current
The ‘big five’ leagues remain in the midst arrangements). Internationally, a recent
of the impact of the pandemic and at this improvement in relations between Qatar
stage the future outlook for broadcast and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East may
Broadcast revenue rights values remains uncertain. help after beIN Sports, one of Serie A’s
23% The Bundesliga was the first to go to
largest international partners, resorted to
a brief blackout of Serie A content during
Down €937m
market with its domestic broadcast 2020 due to piracy concerns.
rights tender since the disruptions to the
industry, achieving an average value of Ligue 1’s broadcast rights value has
€1.1 billion per season for the Bundesliga arguably been most affected by the
Commercial revenue
and 2. Bundesliga in the 2021/22 to pandemic. It suffered severe and
3% 2024/25 rights cycle (5% below the average ongoing consequences from the early
Up €105m
€1.16 billion per season achieved in the termination of the 2019/20 season,
preceding four-year cycle). The Bundesliga despite reaching agreements with
also faced challenges in the international domestic and international broadcasters
broadcast rights market, which will and subsequently protecting the level of
06
Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Introduction
distributions for the 2019/20 season Revenue movement of Money League clubs in local currency (%)
(via a state-guaranteed loan to be repaid
over five years by offsetting against future
15%+ 1
rights values).
6-15%
In the 2020/21 season, the situation has 0-5% 1
significantly worsened after the bold move (1)-(5)% 3
to award domestic broadcast rights to (6)-(10)% 4
Mediapro at a reported €780m per season (11)-(15)% 7
has failed to pay off. In December 2020, it
(16)-(20)% 3
was announced that the LFP had reached
(20)%+ 1
a €100m settlement with Mediapro to
cancel its arrangements for the 2020/21 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
to 2023/24 cycle, after the agency failed to
meet two scheduled payment instalments Decrease Increase Source: Deloitte analysis.
in October (reportedly c.€172.5m) and
December (reportedly c.€150m) 2020.
The Premier League appeared to very were reached for the Champions League in
The LFP is now faced with the prospect successfully and quickly agree amicable Germany (up a reported 68% / c.€130m per
of re-selling these rights, with Canal Plus arrangements regarding scheduling, season) and France (up 19% / c.€60m per
and beIN Sports reportedly in the frame match allocation and broadcast rights season). Notably, rights for all competitions
to reclaim the rights they lost to Mediapro. rebates with its domestic broadcast rose in the UK (up 2% / c.£6m per season),
In the meantime, the league has secured partners throughout the pandemic to the Nordics (up 113% / c.€106m per season),
a second loan to meet the shortfall in date. Internationally, aside from the early Balkans (up 134% / c.€26m per season)
distributions to clubs in the short term, termination of its agreements with Chinese and the US (up 58% / c.$55m per season),
but repayments will necessitate a further broadcaster PPTV, the Premier League whereas rights in Spain remained flat (at a
reduction in future distributions. There seems to have avoided any disruption reported €350m per season). Elsewhere it
is speculation that the league may follow to its broadcast arrangements. Like La has been reported that UEFA has seen a
the lead of ‘big five’ counterparts Serie A Liga, the Premier League’s progress in decline in the value of broadcast rights in
in seeking private equity investment to the market in 2021 for its next broadcast some markets, most notably in Italy (where
enhance its longer term financial position. rights cycle from 2022/23 onwards will Champions League rights were reportedly
be watched with interest for signs of the down 20% / c.€55m per season), a reminder
After agreeing broadcast rebates worth impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This will that the premium properties are not wholly
around €100m, La Liga will be looking to be particularly interesting in its domestic insulated from a challenging market.
continue its significant growth in domestic market, where values were restrained at
broadcast rights values since their the last renewal relative to previous growth, Whilst remaining uncertain, at this stage
centralisation from the 2015/16 season, which was fuelled by intense competition. broadcast rights values appear to be
with its eagerly anticipated entry to the stabilising, and in some cases declining,
market for the sale of its next domestic UEFA delayed going to market in the amidst the pandemic, particularly in
broadcast rights cycle in 2021. On the summer of 2020 during the initial domestic markets. Therefore, the onus
international front the league is reportedly disruptions of COVID-19, instead releasing is on clubs to drive their own revenue
looking to take advantage of its ability to its initial tenders for its club competition growth from matchday and commercial
offer extended broadcast rights contracts broadcast rights (which now include the sources, supplemented by successful on-
in Europe (beyond three years) following an third-tier UEFA Europa Conference League pitch performance and exploitation of the
amendment to government legislation in competition) for the 2021/22 to 2023/24 transfer market, as noted in the previous
April 2020. cycle in the autumn, where it has received edition of the Money League. The events
a range of results. Positive agreements of the past year have made this even more
07
Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Introduction
The full impact of COVID-19 may not be realised for years financial success. Liverpool’s completion
to come, with the associated uncertainty forcing existing of its Champions League campaign before
the pause in the season meant it could
and potential broadcast and commercial partners to recognise the majority of UEFA broadcast
consider the amount they are willing and able to invest revenue in the financial year ending in
2020. The next two clubs in the rankings,
in sport. Manchester City (€549.2m) and Paris
Saint-Germain (€540.6m) finished their
respective Champions League campaigns
challenging for clubs and any short term FC Barcelona (€715.1m) and Real Madrid behind closed doors and after the end
ambitions they may have had will likely only (€714.9m) are again paired together at the of their financial years (hence deferring a
be achievable as medium term goals as top of this year’s Money League, with the proportion of UEFA broadcast revenue to
fans return to stadia and the impact of the gap between the top two of €0.2m being the next financial year).
pandemic on the global economy, and the the closest in Money League history. This
path to recovery, becomes clearer. was remarkable following last year having Chelsea (€469.7m) are in eighth place,
the widest gap ever between the top two whilst London rivals Tottenham Hotspur
The full impact of COVID-19 may not clubs in our ranking. Barcelona suffered a (€445.7m) – in ninth – were one of only
be realised for years to come, with the larger revenue decrease than their rivals, three clubs to generate an increase in
associated uncertainty forcing existing down 15% (almost €126m) compared to matchday revenue compared to the
and potential broadcast and commercial last year, with all revenue streams declining previous edition of the Money League,
partners to consider the amount they are by double-digit percentages. Real Madrid following their move to the Tottenham
willing and able to invest in sport. More saw a lesser drop of over €42m (6%). Hotspur Stadium. Tottenham’s domestic
positively for the Money League clubs, This was as a result of broadcast and broadcast revenue from the Premier
the global pandemic has highlighted the matchday revenue falls being mitigated League was recognised on the basis of a
importance of sport to so many people, by commercial revenue growth of almost prudent estimate of the club’s final league
reinforcing its fundamental strengths and €30m (8%), as the club extended its position at the financial year end (30
appeal to broadcasters and sponsors. We partnership with adidas and benefitted June 2020). After ultimately finishing the
will watch with interest as leagues go to from bringing more commercial operations season in sixth place, the club will report a
market for their next round of broadcast in-house. significant increase in domestic broadcast
rights and clubs approach commercial revenue in its financial year to 30 June
partners for the sale and/or renewal of Bayern Munich, despite not seeing the full 2021. This reflects the deferral of 2019/20
commercial rights to assess how valuations benefit of being the winners of the delayed season broadcast distributions, including
have been impacted. 2019/20 Champions League in the financial an amount attributable to an improvement
year ending in 2020, generated €634.1m of on its estimated performance.
revenue and secured a top three place for
Another Star the first time since 2013/14. The composition of the Money League
Despite the significantly different conditions thereafter, remains relatively stable
reported in this year’s publication, the Despite dropping out of the top three for compared to the previous year with only
Money League composition has remained the first time since 2012/13, largely due to two new entrants FC Zenit (€236.5m) and
broadly consistent with previous years, the club’s absence from the Champions Eintracht Frankfurt (€174m).
illustrating both the ubiquitous global League, Manchester United (€580.4m)
impact of the pandemic and the robustness remain in the top five, as only they have The financial information of FC Zenit
of the revenue generating capacity of the done in every edition of this publication. reflects the calendar year to 31 December
most established clubs. The constituents On the other hand, Liverpool (€558.6m) 2019, which saw negligible financial impacts
of the top ten remain unchanged, whilst 18 enter the top five for the first time since of COVID-19, and was boosted by the club’s
of the 20 clubs were present in last year’s 2001/02. The club’s on-pitch success participation in the 2019/20 Champions
Money League. of the past few years continues to fuel League. The inclusion of FC Zenit marks the
08Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Introduction
2019/20 Money League clubs 21-30 (€m) Benfica (23rd) and Ajax (27th) are the only an uncertain broadcast rights market,
other clubs in the top 30 from outside of rapidly changing government policy and an
Pos. Club Revenue the ‘big five’ leagues (along with FC Zenit), uncertain commercial landscape in sport,
with the Premier League providing strong this edition’s feature article – in the centre
21. Valencia 172.1
representation between positions 21 pages of this publication - estimates that
22. Leicester City 171.0 and 30 (five teams, including a first ever this year’s Money League clubs will have
appearance for Sheffield United, who were missed out on over €2 billion of revenue
23. Benfica 170.3
still in League One in 2016/17). Notably across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.
24. Borussia VfL Mönchengladbach 167.9 from an Italian perspective, AC Milan
drop to their lowest ever position (30th) Additionally, to gain a clearer picture of
25. Crystal Palace 161.3
as the club served a ban from UEFA club fans attitudes towards the future, we
26. West Ham United 158.0 competitions, whilst AS Roma have fallen surveyed hundreds from around the world
out of the top 30 after placing 16th in the to determine trends in viewing habits
27. Ajax 155.5
previous edition, largely as a result of failing throughout the disrupted footballing
28. Sheffield United 152.0 to qualify for the Champions League. seasons, how engagement with clubs has
changed, as well as attitudes to returning
29. Wolverhampton Wanderers 151.2
to stadia and whether these have been
30. AC Milan 148.5 I’m Wondering permanently altered. The key highlights,
The return of fans to stadia remains presented towards the back of the
Source: Deloitte analysis. a key priority for clubs given the publication, provide some food for thought
importance of matchday revenue and as we navigate 2021 and beyond.
the interdependence of broadcast and
first time in four years that a club in commercial revenue streams and a vibrant
the top 20 of the Money League has been matchday atmosphere. The COVID-19 We Can Work It Out
from outside the ‘big five’ markets (also pandemic has provided an impetus for Whilst the Money League will continue
FC Zenit – 17th in the 2017 edition of the clubs to rethink and recalibrate their wider to focus on the core business activity of
Money League). strategic objectives and business models to a football club, we continue to recognise
ensure a strong recovery from the current that the sale of players forms a key part of
Eintracht Frankfurt enter the Money situation. In particular, the focus on both certain clubs’ business models, particularly
League for the first time, benefitting internal and external digital capabilities those clubs outside our top 20 within the
from the completion of the Bundesliga has necessarily accelerated as digital ‘big five’ leagues and even the largest of
season within the financial year and its interaction quickly became the dominant clubs from outside the ‘big five’ leagues
participation in the Europa League. way in which clubs could engage with their such as Ajax and Benfica, contributing
staff and fans. Therefore, as alluded to in significant and regular financial returns.
Similar factors, including on-pitch last year’s Money League, the most agile, This year our report includes information
performance in UEFA club competitions and innovative clubs will be the best placed on aggregate player transfer income in
and the timing of season completion, to deliver the greatest value to their key respect of the Money League clubs and we
influence the composition of the list of stakeholders and be rewarded with the hope to be able to expand on this analysis
those clubs ranked between 21 and 30. fastest and strongest recovery. in future editions.
Valencia (21st) narrowly miss out (by €1.9m)
on a return to the Money League for the All football clubs have faced varying 17 of the top 20 Money League clubs
first time since 2010/11, whilst Borussia VfL degrees of challenges as a result of provided information on player transfer
Mönchengladbach rise to 24th as a result of COVID-19, and Money League clubs income for this edition of the Money
Europa League participation and the timely have felt by far the greatest financial League, with clubs generating average
completion of the Bundesliga season. impact in absolute value terms. Whilst income of €116m for the financial year
there are plenty of unknowns about the ending in 2020. These same clubs
future football landscape, in respect of generated an average player transfer
09Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an impetus for
clubs to rethink and recalibrate their wider strategic
objectives and business models to ensure a strong
recovery from the current situation. In particular, the
focus on both internal and external digital capabilities
has necessarily accelerated as digital interaction quickly
became the dominant way in which clubs could engage
with their staff and fans.
income of €86m in the previous year, and men’s team (defined as the women’s team business operations of their clubs. Whilst
reflects the growth seen across the wider having a sponsor anywhere on the shirt this edition is unlike any that has come
transfer market prior to COVID-19. e.g. front, sleeve, back that is different to before, we hope that our readers find our
what is printed on the men’s team shirt), analysis useful in understanding the varying
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that, whilst there has been impact across the game’s biggest clubs.
European club activity in the delayed significant progress in recent years, there
summer 2020 window as a whole was is still substantial growth potential. In The Deloitte Football Money League was
more subdued. Typically, the spend of the particular, the development of a dedicated compiled by Dan Jones, Theo Ajadi, Tim
larger clubs with greater resources was less commercial strategy for the women’s Bridge, Tom Hammond, Chris Hanson,
impacted, whilst smaller clubs sought to team aimed at separating key rights from Calum Ross and Zal Udwadia.
retain their best players unless forced into the men’s team where appropriate and
a sale for financial sustainability purposes. defining the appropriate sales channels Our thanks go to Henry Wong and those
and targets for these rights, should be a who have helped us, inside and outside
key priority for clubs. of the Deloitte international network.
Superwoman We particularly thank greatly those clubs
We have also continued to request and Finally, 70% have female members of the who have taken the time to help us with
report information on the key metrics Board (compared with 65% in the previous explanations and we wish them all the best
in women’s football, an area that is year), as gender equality continues to be of luck in navigating the challenges ahead.
increasingly becoming a central part of rightfully pursued.
many football clubs and continuing to We look forward to completing the analysis
grow despite the current circumstances. We remain committed to developing of the COVID-19 impact on their finances
The growing stature of women’s football the Money League, and our insights and in next year’s edition as we hopefully all
presents a significant opportunity for clubs publications more widely, to report more return to a more normal environment to
to increase brand profile and grow revenue fully on the women’s game in future. enjoy our football. Until then, stay safe and
in the future, whilst also achieving on-pitch well and we hope you enjoy this edition.
success. We are pleased to report that 18
of the top 20 clubs have women’s teams in Keep on Running Dan Jones, Global Lead for Sport and
this edition of the Money League and we Across the football industry, the Head of the Sports Business Group
hope and expect that this will become all Money League is recognised as a key www.deloitte.co.uk/sportsbusinessgroup
20 in the near future. benchmarking tool, used by clubs to
understand how they compare to their
Of those Money League clubs that have peers; by investors and other stakeholders
a women’s team, only eight (44%) have who are keen to learn more; and by fans
a separable shirt sponsor from their who wish to gain more insight into the
10Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Ups and downs
Ups and downs
2019/20 Revenue (€m) 2018/19 Revenue (€m)
1 0 (15) FC Barcelona 715.1 1 1 22 FC Barcelona 840.8
2 0 (6) Real Madrid 714.9 2 (1) 1 Real Madrid 757.3
3 1 (4) Bayern Munich 634.1 3 0 7 Manchester United 711.5
4 (1) (19) Manchester United 580.4 4 0 5 Bayern Munich 660.1
5 2 (8) Liverpool 558.6 5 1 17 Paris Saint-Germain 635.9
6 0 (11) Manchester City 549.2 6 (1) 7 Manchester City 610.6
7 (2) (15) Paris Saint-Germain 540.6 7 0 18 Liverpool 604.7
8 1 (9) Chelsea 469.7 8 2 22 Tottenham Hotspur 521.1
9 (1) (15) Tottenham Hotspur 445.7 9 (1) 1 Chelsea 513.1
10 0 (13) Juventus 397.9 10 1 17 Juventus 459.7
11 0 (13) Arsenal 388.0 11 (2) 1 Arsenal 445.2
12 0 (2) Borussia Dortmund 365.7 12 0 17 Borussia Dortmund 371.7
13 0 (10) Atlético de Madrid 331.8 13 0 21 Atlético de Madrid 367.6
14 0 (20) FC Internazionale Milano 291.5 14 0 30 FC Internazionale Milano 364.6
15 n/a new 29 FC Zenit 236.5 15 1 33 Schalke 04 324.8
16 (1) (31) Schalke 04 222.8 16 (1) (8) AS Roma 231.0
17 2 0 Everton 212.0 17 n/a new 35 Olympique Lyonnais 220.9
18 (1) (18) Olympique Lyonnais 180.7 18 2 9 West Ham United 216.4
19 1 (15) SSC Napoli 176.3 19 (2) (1) Everton 210.5
20 n/a new (5) Eintracht Frankfurt 174.0 20 n/a new 13 SSC Napoli 207.4
DFML position Change on previous year Number of positions changed Revenue percentage movement in local currency (%)
11Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Top 20 clubs
1 FC Barcelona
2019 Revenue Revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Revenue profile 2020 (€m)
2020 Revenue €840.8m
€715.1m
(£741.1m) 2 3 2 1 1
1,000
841 18%
€126.4m
(£627.1m) (15%) 750 648
690 715 (£110.9m)
620 1
47% 1
500 €340.2m
(£298.4m)
3
FC Barcelona’s revenue was severely
impacted by COVID-19 with total revenue
decreasing €125.7m (15%) to €715.1m, the
250
35%
€248.5m
second largest revenue fall in absolute (£217.8m)
0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
terms of any Money League club. The
club has publicly stated that it expected Annual revenue DFML position Matchday Broadcast Commercial
revenue to be €174m higher if it was not
Note: Figures in circles show top 20 ranking
for the impact of the pandemic, with all per revenue stream.
revenue streams significantly affected.
Matchday revenue fell by €31.9m (20%)
due to the loss of ticketing and hospitality After suffering its first campaign without Total social media followers 2020 (m)
revenue following the initial postponement a trophy since the 2007/08 season, Barca
of matches and the return behind closed are in a state of limbo off the pitch. A 103.2 (2)
doors. Broadcast revenue declined by combination of its on-pitch performance 92.5 (2)
€49.6m (17%) with distributions for the and financial situation saw the club’s
club’s final five league games and two members bring a vote of no confidence in 35 (2)
Champions League games to be recognised president Josep Maria Bartomeu, leading 10.7 (1)
Total
in the financial year ending in 2021. to his resignation in October along with the
entire board of directors.
6.6 (1) 248m
The €44.2m (11%) decline in commercial 0 20 40 80 100 120
revenue was primarily driven by a The club continues to capitalise on the
Note: Figures in brackets show top 20 ranking per
decrease in merchandising and stadium strength of its global brand with a new social media account.
tours revenue with lockdown restrictions digital and commercial strategy which
preventing visits to the stadium. The club included the launch of a new streaming
has taken steps to reverse this decline with platform, Barça TV+, in June 2020 aimed
the recent announcement of a one-year at improving fan engagement as well as
extension of its partnership with shirt front commercial revenue, in a year that also
sponsor Rakuten for the 2021/22 season, saw the club become the first sports club Player transfer Women’s football
albeit with the value of the deal adjusted to to gain over 10m YouTube subscribers. income Yes No
reflect the current situation. The club will Looking closer to home, the pandemic €167m
be working hard to secure an extension or has also resulted in a delay to the club’s
replacement to its training kit and sleeve Espai Barca project which includes the
sponsor, Beko, which expires at the end of redevelopment of Camp Nou (to a capacity
the 2020/21 season. of c.105,000) and its surrounding areas
aimed at driving further revenue growth. Average league On-pitch performance
attendance* League: 2nd
72,400 UCL: Q/F
*Attendance figure is the average home attendance
for league games played in the 2019/20 season
prior to the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
12Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Top 20 clubs
Matchday revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Broadcast revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Commercial revenue 2016-2020 (€m)
384
400 400 400
340
323
298 296 295
300 300 249 300
223
203 215
200 145 159 200 200
139
121 126
100 100 100
0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Matchday Broadcast Commercial DFML average DFML top five average Source: Deloitte Football Intelligence Tool.
13Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Top 20 clubs
2 Real Madrid
2019 Revenue Revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Revenue profile 2020 (€m)
2020 Revenue €757.3m
€714.9m
(£667.5m) 3 2 1 2 2
1,000
15%
€108.2m
(£627m) (6%) 750 675
751 757
715 (£95m)
620 2
54% 3
500 €382.7m
(£335.6m)
1
Real Madrid’s revenue fell by €42.4m (6%) to
€714.9m, largely attributable to the impact 250
of COVID-19. Unsurprisingly, matchday 31%
revenue was the most severely impacted, €224m
0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 (£196.4m)
falling by €36.6m (25%) to €108.2m, whilst
broadcast revenue also slipped by €33.9m Annual revenue DFML position Matchday Broadcast Commercial
(13%) to €224m. Impressively, commercial
Note: Figures in circles show top 20 ranking
revenue increased by €28.1m (8%) to per revenue stream.
€382.7m, influenced by the extension of
the club’s partnership with adidas to 2028,
and increased success in merchandising On the pitch, it was a successful season Total social media followers 2020 (m)
operations. domestically, with the club winning the
La Liga title for the first time since 2016/17. 110.9 (1)
This increase in commercial revenue In Europe, a second successive exit at the 94.5 (1)
follows the club taking control of more Champions League Round of 16 was a
revenue generating activities in-house. disappointment following a three-year run 35.7 (1)
As the largest clubs continue to evolve and of winning the competition previously. 6.2 (2)
Total
grow, their appetite seems to be increasing
to reduce the role of third parties, taking The club has publicly stated that they have
4.2 (2) 251.5m
more control of their operations and taken measures to mitigate the impact 0 20 40 80 100 120
hence brand experience for their fans of COVID-19, but forecast that the lost
Note: Figures in brackets show top 20 ranking per
and commercial partners with the aim revenue for the financial year ending in social media account.
of generating longer term loyalty and 2021 will be in the region of €300m in
financial return. Madrid will hope to benefit comparison to anticipated revenue in
significantly from this as it responds to the respect of the 2020/21 season prior to
impact of the pandemic, with the ability the pandemic. One consolation amid fans
to adopt a more tailored and engaging being unable to attend matches is that the
approach with fans and commercial club has been able to make good progress Player transfer Women’s football
partners. redeveloping its iconic Bernabeu stadium income Yes No
whilst playing matches at their training €152.6m
ground stadium. Whilst those clubs with
the highest matchday revenue have been
hit the most significantly, with the much
anticipated return of fans and a newly
developed stadium on the horizon, Real Average league On-pitch performance
Madrid will feel well placed to bounce back attendance* League: 1st
strongly in future years. 66,984 UCL: Round of 16
*Attendance figure is the average home attendance
for league games played in the 2019/20 season
prior to the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
14Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Top 20 clubs
Matchday revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Broadcast revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Commercial revenue 2016-2020 (€m)
383
400 400 400 356 355
301
300 300 251 258 300
228 237 224
263
200 200 200
136 143 145
129
108
100 100 100
0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Matchday Broadcast Commercial DFML average DFML top five average Source: Deloitte Football Intelligence Tool.
Impressively, commercial
revenue increased by
€28.1m (8%) to €382.7m,
influenced by the
extension of the club’s
partnership with adidas
to 2028, and increased
success in merchandising
operations.
15Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Top 20 clubs
3 Bayern Munich
2019 Revenue Revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Revenue profile 2020 (€m)
2020 Revenue €660.1m
€634.1m
(£581.8m) 4 4 4 4 3
1,000
11%
€70.3m
(£556.1m) (4%) 750 660 634
(£61.6m)
629 8
592 588
57% 6
500 €360.5m
(£316.2m)
2
Bayern Munich celebrated its 120th
anniversary with a coveted treble of the 250 32%
Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions €203.3m
League, helping to deliver the lowest (£178.3m)
0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
overall revenue decrease (4%) of the Money
League top ten. Despite the impacts Annual revenue DFML position Matchday Broadcast Commercial
of COVID-19, Bayern actually saw an
Note: Figures in circles show top 20 ranking
increase in commercial revenue of €4m per revenue stream.
to €360.5m, representing 57% of total
revenue (€634.1m). The club also benefitted
from being able to recognise the majority The delayed end to the 2019/20 season Total social media followers 2020 (m)
of its domestic broadcast revenue in will result in a proportion of broadcast and
the financial year ending in 2020 due to commercial revenue from Bayern’s success 51.4 (4)
the earlier completion of the Bundesliga in the Champions League being recognised 24.8 (7)
season. in the next edition of the Money League.
Notably, and admirably, the Bavarians, 5.2 (11)
Bayern’s commercial strength has been along with the three other German teams 1.9 (10)
Total
evident for years, yet the club is not competing in the Champions League
resting on its laurels, and is embracing in 2019/20, agreed to forego a share of
3.8 (4) 87.1m
digital channels to further engage fans in 2020/21 domestic broadcast revenues 0 20 40 60 80 100
international markets and complement to redistribute €20m to support other
Note: Figures in brackets show top 20 ranking per
its physical footprint, particularly in Asia. Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs social media account.
In May 2020 Douyin (TikTok) became an suffering from the effects of the pandemic.
official partner in China and the Bavarians
were the first to produce a weekly
interactive livestream on the social media
platform.
Player transfer Women’s football
Ahead of the 2020/21 season the club income Yes No
extended partnerships with a number €63.9m
of sponsors, most notably platinum
partner Siemens and main partner (and
shareholder) Audi. In order to maintain
global exposure and engagement with
its international fanbase, Bayern’s 2020 Average league On-pitch performance
Audi Summer Tour went virtual, including attendance* League: 1st
real-time streaming of pre-season training, 75,000 UCL: Winner
virtual fan challenges and interactions with
*Attendance figure is the average home attendance
international athletes. for league games played in the 2019/20 season
prior to the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
16Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Top 20 clubs
Matchday revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Broadcast revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Commercial revenue 2016-2020 (€m)
400 400 400 349 357 361
343 343
300 300 300
200 200 211 203 200
104 177
102 98 148 147
100 100 100
92
70
0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Matchday Broadcast Commercial DFML average DFML top five average Source: Deloitte Football Intelligence Tool.
The delayed end to the
2019/20 season will
result in a proportion of
broadcast and commercial
revenue from Bayern’s
success in the Champions
League being recognised
in the next edition of the
Money League.
17Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Top 20 clubs
4 Manchester United
2019 Revenue Revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Revenue profile 2020 (€m)
2020 Revenue €711.5m
€580.4m
(£627.1m) 1 1 3 3 4
1,000
17%
€98.8m
(£509m) (19%) 750
689 676 666
712 (£86.7m)
580 4
55% 10
500 €321.7m
(£282.1m)
4
Revenue of £509m represents a £118.1m
(19%) decrease on 2018/19. £101m (86%) of 250 28%
this decrease is represented by broadcast €159.9m
revenue, the absence of Champions League (£140.2m)
0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
football and resultant UEFA distributions
and the impact of COVID-19 – with the Annual revenue DFML position Matchday Broadcast Commercial
deferral of matches into the financial year
Note: Figures in circles show top 20 ranking
ending in 2021 and rebates to broadcasters per revenue stream.
– being the primary causes of this decline.
Matchday revenue also fell by £19.6m as a United’s return to the Champions League Total social media followers 2020 (m)
consequence of COVID-19, with all home in 2020/21 will undoubtedly help boost
matches from mid-March being played broadcast and commercial revenue, 73.4 (3)
behind closed doors and all bar one of although the absence of fans at home 38.5 (4)
these being deferred into the financial year matches will continue to restrict matchday
ending in 2021. With Old Trafford being income. On the commercial front, the 24.1 (3)
the largest football club stadium in the extension of the main shirt sponsorship 3.6 (4)
Total
Premier League and with a high utilisation, deal with Chevrolet until a mid-season
the pandemic has had a significant impact date at the end of 2021 due to the
1.2 (12) 140.8m
on the club’s matchday revenue. The safe disruption caused by the pandemic can 0 20 40 60 80 100
return of fans to the stadium is, naturally, be seen as evidence of a more challenging
Note: Figures in brackets show top 20 ranking per
high on the club’s agenda. sponsorship environment, even for such social media account.
a globally recognised brand with a large
The club’s commercial revenue has worldwide following.
remained remarkably consistent in the
2019/20 season, despite the closure of
the club’s megastore for three months The Red Devils remain the
affecting merchandising. The club’s
top commercial revenue Player transfer Women’s football
investment in digital capabilities, such as its income Yes No
global mobile application, ecommerce and generating Premier League €80.3m
MUTV, in recent years has been a key factor
club, totalling £282.1m, and
in maintaining commercial revenue, whilst
providing a strong platform for future the fourth highest in the
growth. The Red Devils remain the top
Money League.
commercial revenue generating Premier Average league On-pitch performance
League club, totalling £282.1m, and the attendance* League: 3rd
fourth highest in the Money League. 73,956 UEL: Semi-Final
*Attendance figure is the average home attendance
for league games played in the 2019/20 season
prior to the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
18Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Top 20 clubs
Matchday revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Broadcast revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Commercial revenue 2016-2020 (€m)
400 400 400 364
325 316 322
317
274
300 300 300
226 230
188
200 200 200
137
125 120 121 160
99
100 100 100
0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Matchday Broadcast Commercial DFML average DFML top five average Source: Deloitte Football Intelligence Tool.
19Deloitte Football Money League 2021 |
Top 20 clubs
5 Liverpool
2019 Revenue Revenue 2016-2020 (€m) Revenue profile 2020 (€m)
2020 Revenue €604.7m
€558.6m
(£533m) 9 9 7 7 5
1,000
15%
€82.7m
(£489.9m) (8%) 750 43% (£72.5m)
605 €243.4m 7
559
514 (£213.5m)
424 2
500 404
7
Liverpool returned to the top five in our
Money League for the first time since
2001/02 with total revenue of £489.9m,
250
42%
€232.5m
a £43.1m (8%) decrease compared to (£203.9m)
0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
2018/19. On the pitch, the club decisively
ended its 30-year wait for a league title, Annual revenue DFML position Matchday Broadcast Commercial
combined with success in the UEFA
Note: Figures in circles show top 20 ranking
Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup and per revenue stream.
continued participation in the Champions
League. This collectively drove a £27.6m
increase in commercial revenue as well as While Liverpool has set their longest Total social media followers 2020 (m)
delivering the second highest broadcast domestic unbeaten streak at Anfield in
revenue of Money League clubs (£203.9m), the club’s history (68 games), they have 37.1 (10)
boosted by the recognition of UEFA missed the presence of its passionate 29.4 (6)
distributions in respect of the Champions fanbase both on and off the pitch as
League Final triumph played at the matchday revenue fell £10.8m (13%). After 16.2 (5)
beginning of the financial year ending significant investment in Anfield in recent 5.4 (3)
Total
in 2020. years, coupled with reported exploration
of further expansion opportunities, the
3.6 (5) 91.7m
Despite Liverpool’s continued on-pitch club will be seeking to restore matchday 0 20 40 60 80 100
success, broadcast revenue decreased by revenue as fans return to the stadium.
Note: Figures in brackets show top 20 ranking per
£59.9m (23%) in comparison to 2018/19 social media account.
as a proportion of Premier League With the Reds continuing to enjoy success
distributions was deferred into the financial on the pitch, they will be optimistic
year ending in 2021 as a result of the for revenue growth once normality
extended season. Reaching the Round of resumes. In particular, with the new Nike
16 stage of the Champions League before arrangements coming into effect for the
the disruptions caused by the pandemic 2020/21 season, the club will be confident Player transfer Women’s football
meant that Liverpool recognised the of increased merchandising sales through income Yes No
majority of its 2019/20 UEFA distributions the successful utilisation of Nike’s global n/a
in the financial year ending in 2020, unlike distribution network, capitalising on its
some other clubs. on-pitch success.
Average league On-pitch performance
attendance* League: 1st
52,871 UCL: Round of 16
*Attendance figure is the average home attendance
for league games played in the 2019/20 season
prior to the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
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