European Soccer Revenues 2024: €38bn & Growth
- European soccer saw revenue climb to a record €38 billion ($44 billion) in the 2023-24 season, according to deloitte's 2025 Annual Review of football Finance.
- These five leagues collectively brought in €20.4 billion, a 4% increase from the previous season.
- Matchday revenue also increased, rising by €200 million to €3 billion, thanks to stadium redevelopments, notably at Real Madrid and Liverpool, and also higher attendances and ticket prices.
European soccer’s financial might hit a new peak, with revenues reaching a record €38 billion in the 2023-24 season. This surge, driven by commercial growth and strategic stadium enhancements, demonstrates the sport’s enduring appeal. The premier League continues to set the pace, proving its dominance. As news Directory 3 reports, commercial gains and expanded stadium use are major factors. Despite slight broadcast revenue stagnation, the sport sees improved financial health due to wage control and transfer revenue from the Saudi Pro league. Discover what’s next for the european soccer market.
European Soccer Market Revenue Hits Record High
Updated June 12, 2025
European soccer saw revenue climb to a record €38 billion ($44 billion) in the 2023-24 season, according to deloitte’s 2025 Annual Review of football Finance. The “big five” leagues – English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, Spanish laliga, and French Ligue 1 – generated over half of this total.
These five leagues collectively brought in €20.4 billion, a 4% increase from the previous season. Commercial revenue drove much of this growth, with clubs reporting €8 billion in aggregate, a 6% rise. New sponsorships and increased stadium usage beyond matchdays fueled this commercial surge, especially in England and Italy.
Matchday revenue also increased, rising by €200 million to €3 billion, thanks to stadium redevelopments, notably at Real Madrid and Liverpool, and also higher attendances and ticket prices. Broadcast revenue contributed €9.4 billion, nearly half of the total, but saw the slowest growth among the major revenue streams, at just 1%.
The aggregate wages to revenue ratio fell from 66% to 64%, despite wage increases in all of the big five leagues except LaLiga. This improved balance between costs and revenues led to an aggregate operating profit of €600 million for the second consecutive year, following COVID-19-related losses.
The report also noted that financial sustainability regulations and increased player transfer receipts from the Saudi Pro League have improved the overall financial health of european soccer.
Premier League clubs led with £6.3 billion ($8.5 billion) in revenue, up from €6.1 billion in 2022-23. However, the traditional “big six” clubs saw slower average revenue growth (3%) compared to other premier League clubs (11%), with the latter’s growth driven by expanded commercial offerings.
Bundesliga clubs’ total revenue fell 1% to €3.8 billion, averaging €211 million per club. Broadcast revenue saw a slight increase, while matchday revenue declined due to the relegation of Schalke and Hertha Berlin, impacting average attendance. Commercial revenue also decreased slightly but remained second onyl to the Premier league.
LaLiga clubs’ revenue increased by 6% to €3.8 billion, driven by Real Madrid becoming the first European club to generate over €1 billion in a single season. Barcelona also contributed significantly. Matchday revenues increased due to infrastructure investments, particularly Real Madrid’s stadium renovation. However, LaLiga sides reported an overall pre-tax loss of €200 million.
Serie A clubs generated €2.9 billion in revenue, a 2% increase, averaging €145 million per club. Commercial and matchday revenues increased, offsetting a slight decline in broadcast revenue.North American-owned clubs saw significant commercial revenue growth.Serie A clubs posted an aggregate operating profit and reduced pre-tax losses.
Ligue 1 clubs’ combined revenue grew by 7% to €2.6 billion, despite reducing the league from 20 to 18 clubs. This was largely due to distributions from CVC’s investment into LFP Media.Commercial revenue accounted for over 60% of turnover. Though, instability in the broadcast market means Ligue 1 clubs will receive significantly reduced broadcast distributions from 2025-26.
Tim Bridge, lead partner in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, emphasized the importance of stadium development and commercial revenue diversification. He cautioned clubs and leagues to remain vigilant in the face of evolving regulations and changing fan behaviors, stressing the need for responsible management and community engagement.
What’s next
Deloitte forecasts further revenue increases in European soccer, projecting €39.3 billion in 2024-25 and €43.1 billion in 2025-26, driven by continued commercial growth and strategic investments.