Europe’s ‘Big Five’ Soccer Leagues Seeing Revenue Near $20B

The health of Europe’s five biggest soccer leagues continues to recover from pandemic strains — but still has work to do, according to newly released financial figures.

Deloitte’s annual soccer finance review reveals that total revenue from the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 grew by 10% to $18.78 billion during the 2021-22 season. 

But increased wage costs dropped aggregate operating profits by $1.97 billion since 2018-19  — the last season before the pandemic — for an overall loss of $353.8 million.

Unsurprisingly, the EPL was the continent’s best performer, growing income by 12% for a record aggregate revenue of $6.99 billion. However, English clubs’ operating profits of $585.44 million were actually down $1.28 million from the previous season.

La Liga was second in total revenue but brought in just about half of the EPL, $3.6 billion. The Bundesliga was just behind with $3.39 billion in revenue.

Italian Serie A clubs brought in $2.62 billion — a decrease of 7% — while Ligue 1 saw record revenue of $2.18 billion in Lionel Messi’s first of two seasons at Paris St. Germain.

Big Growth For Women’s Soccer

In the U.K., the 12 Women’s Super League clubs grew revenue by 60% in 2021-22 for a record sum of $40.81 million, according to Deloitte.

New broadcast deals with Sky Sports and the BBC were big contributors to the WSL’s growth.