LaLiga, operating body of the top two divisions of Spanish club football, has broken through the €5bn (£4.27bn/$5.68bn) revenue barrier on the back of record matchday income supported by continued increases in attendances.
LaLiga’s financial report for the 2023-24 season details standardised total revenue of €5.049bn, representing a 3.2% increase compared to the previous campaign. This is closing in on 2019-20, when revenue stood at a record €5.065bn.
While broadcast income remained the largest source of revenue, at €1.508bn, and LaLiga surpassed the €1bn mark in commercial income for the second consecutive year, at €1.288bn, matchday revenue was also on the up.
A 5% increase year-on-year to €716m meant the €700m mark was eclipsed for the first time. A 25% increase in this revenue stream has been recorded over the past five seasons, with LaLiga pointing to stadium expansion, improved amenities, and new hospitality products.
LaLiga said this expansion is taking place in parallel with affordable ticket prices being maintained for fans, who once again filled stadiums in record numbers, with more than 16 million spectators and an average occupancy rate of 75.4%, versus the previous year’s 72.5%.
LaLiga notes that this has been achieved despite FC Barcelona’s ongoing stay away from Spotify Camp Nou amid its major redevelopment. Looking ahead to the current 2024-25 season, Javier Gómez, LaLiga’s corporate general manager, said over 78% occupancy is expected with attendances approaching 18 million.
As a whole, LaLiga member clubs registered aggregate losses of €222m for 2023-24, a reduction of more than half from 2022-23’s €503m. This figure is expected to fall further to €173m for 2024-25.
Looking ahead to 2024-25’s report, LaLiga forecasts predict further improvements in standardised results thanks to organic revenue growth and improved operating margins.
