In a surprising turn of events, Real Madrid has dethroned Manchester City as the highest revenue-generating football club in the world for the 2022-23 season, according to Deloitte’s Sports Business Group. The Deloitte Football Money League, now in its 27th year of analyzing the financial performance of football clubs globally, reported a staggering record of €10.5 billion ($11.4bn) in total revenue for the season. This represents a significant 14% increase from the previous year, showcasing the continued financial growth and power of the football industry.
Real Madrid, last at the top of the index five years ago, reported a record-breaking figure of €831 million for the 2022-23 season, surpassing their previous year’s earnings by €118 million. Coming in second, Manchester City fell just €5 million short of Madrid’s revenue, followed by Paris Saint-Germain (€802m), Barcelona (€800m), and Manchester United (€746m) in the top five. The inclusion of PSG and Barça in the top five illustrates the resurgence of European clubs in challenging the dominance of the Premier League, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham also making the top 10.
Deloitte’s analysis highlighted a significant shift in revenue streams for the top clubs, with commercial revenue now surpassing broadcast income as the primary source of revenue. This marks the first time since the 2015-16 season, excluding the COVID-19-affected 2019-20 period, that commercial revenue has taken the lead. Tim Bridge, lead partner at Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, emphasized the importance of a more commercially focused business model for clubs in ensuring financial stability amid evolving market dynamics.
In addition to the men’s game, Deloitte also analyzed the revenue performance of women’s football for the second year. The figures, however, do not include data from major markets such as the United States and Japan. Barcelona emerged as the top revenue-generating women’s team for the 2022-23 season, with an impressive revenue of €13.4 million, reflecting a substantial 74% increase from the previous year. Following Barça, Manchester United (€8m), Real Madrid (€7.4m), Manchester City (€5.3m), and Arsenal (€5.3m) rounded out the top five in women’s football revenue generation.
As the financial landscape of football continues to evolve, clubs are faced with the challenge of diversifying their revenue streams and adapting to changing market trends. Real Madrid’s ascension to the top of the revenue charts serves as a reminder of the club’s enduring financial strength and global appeal. With commercial revenue now taking precedence over broadcast income, clubs must prioritize developing sustainable business models to ensure long-term stability and success in an increasingly competitive industry. By embracing innovation and strategic partnerships, football clubs can navigate the complex financial landscape and continue to thrive in the modern era of the sport.
Leave a Reply