European football revenues hit record highs amid growing inequality

Reports from Football Benchmark and World Football Summit indicate that European football revenues have grown by 146% over the last fifteen years, rising from €11.6 billion in the 2008/2009 season to €28.6 billion. Projections suggest total revenues may exceed €30 billion for the 2024/2025 season.

However, this growth has exacerbated economic inequality within the sport. The English Premier League is the primary beneficiary, increasing its share of total European revenue from 21% to 26%. In contrast, the other four major leagues—Spain, Germany, Italy, and France—have seen their collective share decline from 48% to 46%, while leagues outside the top five have dropped from 31% to 28%.

Financial stability remains a concern within the English system. While the Premier League continues to break revenue records, many clubs operate with high deficits. In the top five English tiers, 94% of the 116 clubs reported losses, and over 60% of clubs in the English Football League (EFL) are described as “technically insolvent.” Some analysts warn that the Premier League's growth is fueled by debt and high international broadcasting rights, creating a model that relies heavily on continuous investment to avoid insolvency.