• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Barcelona $1.57B in Debt, Looks to Sell Media Stake

  • FC Barcelona is in $1.57 billion in debt, and is seeking to sell a $58.1 million stake in its media venture, Barca Studios.
  • Team president John Laporta said the team can get its finances in order in 18 months.
FC Barcelona/Design: Alex Brooks

FC Barcelona is seeking a foothold to climb out of $1.57 billion in debt.

The club is looking to sell a $58.1 million stake in Barca Studios, the club’s media production arm, with the buyer then putting another $58.1 million into the venture.

Launched in September 2019, Barca Studios is producing a fictional teen drama and has teamed with Sony Music on an animated series and coaching app MOJO on training videos.

  • Club president Joan Laporta said in August that 17 investors were interested in Barca Studios. His predecessor, Josep Maria Bartomeu, had sought to sell a 49% stake for $116.2 million.
  • Barcelona reported $558.9 million in losses in the 2020/2021 financial year on $733.2 million in revenue – a 26% drop year-over-year.
  • The club hired Goldman Sachs to sell $625 million in private placements.

Laporta said in August that the team’s salaries totaled 103% of its income, which is about 20%-25% higher than its competitors. He added that the club can get its finances back on track in a year-and-a-half.

That same month, superstar Lionel Messi signed with Paris Saint-Germain after a deal with Barcelona fell through due to the team’s financial constraints.

In April, Forbes said that Barca was the most valuable soccer club in the world, at $4.76 billion.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Trump Push to End Quarterly Earnings Has Major Sports Ramifications

U.S. President Trump proposes moving to semi-annual reporting for public companies.

UEFA Delays Overseas Matches Ruling As LaLiga Miami Game Looms

Barcelona-Villarreal is scheduled for late December at Hard Rock Stadium.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid CF forward Kylian Mbappe (9) reacts after a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.

CVC Builds Out Sports Division Amid Crowded PE Market

The firm’s sports portfolio is reportedly worth $13.6 billion.

Sling TV’s Day Passes Spark Another Sports-Centric Legal Battle

The disruptive programming options generate a second lawsuit in as many weeks.

Featured Today

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
January 13, 2025

Gavin Newsom Reveals Status of 2028 Olympics As Los Angeles Wildfires Roar

Gavin Newsom says there’s a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Los Angeles.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
August 1, 2024

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.
John John Florence (USA) surfs in men’s round two competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.
July 29, 2024

Olympic Surfers Won’t Get Their Full Paris Moment

‘We’re kind of separate off on our own little thing over here.’
Teahupo'o Tahiti Surfing
July 26, 2024

Olympic Surfing Crashes on Tahiti Like a Wave

For Teahupo‘o’s locals, the Olympics are a mixed blessing.