In a move reflecting the enormous economic growth of football in Europe, UEFA revealed details of its competition revenues for the 2024-2025 season, showing unprecedented record figures. Total revenues reached €4.41 billion, with the largest share, €3.55 billion, allocated to clubs participating in the various competitions. This represents 93.5% of net revenue, while the continental federation retained only 6.5% to support its operational and development investments.
Details of the financial distribution and Paris Saint-Germain's lead
According to published data, Paris Saint-Germain topped the list of highest-earning clubs, generating €144.4 million in revenue as Champions League winners, according to the revenue report. Inter Milan and Arsenal followed closely behind. In a surprising turn of events, Barcelona came in fourth with revenues of €116.5 million, leading the Spanish clubs and significantly outperforming their arch-rivals Real Madrid, who earned €101.8 million.
Context of changes in the European competition system
This significant increase in revenue coincides with radical changes to the structure of European competitions, specifically the shift to the "Swiss system" and the expansion of the Champions League to 36 teams. This expansion not only increased the number of matches but also doubled the value of television broadcasting rights and commercial sponsorship deals, allowing UEFA to inject more funds into club coffers. These revenues are crucial for European clubs in light of global economic challenges, as they rely heavily on them to finance player transfers and infrastructure development.
Economic impact and rules of financial sustainability
This financial distribution is of paramount importance, extending far beyond mere figures. It represents a crucial tool for helping clubs comply with the new "financial sustainability" rules that replaced Financial Fair Play regulations. With rising operating costs and player salaries, these guaranteed cash flows from UEFA help maintain the financial stability of major clubs and give mid-table clubs the opportunity to invest and compete, thereby strengthening domestic leagues and the European sports economy as a whole.
Europa League and Conference League profits
The huge profits weren't limited to the Champions League; they extended to other competitions as well. Tottenham Hotspur topped the Europa League earnings list with €41.3 million. In the UEFA Europa League, Chelsea claimed the lion's share with €21.8 million as champions, while Real Betis came in second with €17 million.
UEFA's financial report also showed that Atletico Madrid received 84.9 million euros, Girona 29.9 million euros, while Real Madrid boosted its coffers with an additional 5 million euros as a reward for winning the European Super Cup against Atalanta, confirming the financial and sporting dominance of the major clubs in the current football scene.
