In a significant shift for English football's financial landscape, Liverpool have emerged as the Premier League's top revenue generator for the 2024-25 season, according to the latest Deloitte Football Money League. However, the report reveals a historic first: no Premier League club managed to secure a position within the top four rankings, marking a notable change in the global economic pecking order of the sport.
Real Madrid Retains Crown as Liverpool Climbs to Fifth
Real Madrid once again dominated the list, securing the top spot with an impressive €1.61 billion (£1.4 billion) in revenue. They were followed by Barcelona in second place with €974 million, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain claimed third and fourth positions with €860 million and €837 million respectively. Liverpool, with total revenues of €836 million, jumped from eighth to fifth place, making them the highest-ranked English club.
Concerts and Commercial Strategy Fuel Liverpool's Rise
Liverpool's financial ascent was not solely due to on-pitch performances under manager Arne Slot or Champions League participation. A key driver was the club's strategic focus on maximising non-matchday events at Anfield. High-profile concerts by global superstars such as Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and Bruce Springsteen significantly boosted commercial revenues, which saw a 7% increase. Marco D'Elia, assistant director in the Deloitte Sport Business Group, highlighted this innovative approach.
"Liverpool's strong performance was driven by on-pitch performance, Champions League revenues and a 7% increase in their commercial revenues," D'Elia explained. "That is driven by more focus on non-matchday events at Anfield, including concerts by Taylor Swift and corporate events. They also benefited from the challenges of other Premier League clubs, particularly Manchester City and Manchester United."
Manchester Clubs Experience Revenue Declines
The report detailed setbacks for Manchester City and Manchester United, both of whom saw their positions drop. Manchester City fell from second to sixth place with revenues of €829 million, impacted by a lack of success in competitions. Manchester United, once a commercial blueprint in football and top of the Money League in ten of its 29 editions, tumbled from fifth to eighth with €793 million. Their decline was attributed to a drop in broadcast revenue from €258 million to €206 million and absence from the Champions League.
Other Premier League clubs maintained their standings, with Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea remaining in seventh, ninth, and tenth places respectively.
Strategic Shift in Football Club Business Models
Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, emphasised a broader trend in the industry. Clubs are increasingly taking ownership of their revenue-generating capabilities by diversifying income streams beyond traditional matchdays.
"There is a pivotal shift in some club business models with an increased focus on maximising the impact of their brand and their stadium assets," Bridge noted. "The presence of on-site breweries, hotels and restaurants is now commonplace and illustrates a strategic move to diversify income and create year-round entertainment destinations."
This innovative approach allows clubs to unlock opportunities far beyond the pitch, aiming for more sustainable financial futures in an increasingly competitive global market.
