Sunday, May 3, 2026

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

  • The continent’s top competitions are recovering financially from the pandemic.
  • Premier League clubs brought in almost $7 billion in most recent annual period.
Premier-league
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

USL Announces Tentative New CBA After Player Protests

Players protested by stopping play during matches this season.

Canada Says Barring Iran From FIFA Congress ‘Unintentional’

Gianni Infantino said Thursday the team would play at the World Cup.

NWSL to Keep Calendar for Rest of Decade After Player Pushback

Most players oppose a calendar flip, the players’ association says.

Featured Today

Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.

Elizabeth Williams Explains Why WNBA Players Drew Line on Housing

Williams recently re-signed with the Sky for two years, $1.2 million.
April 30, 2026

Max Verstappen’s Future Looms Over F1’s Return to Miami

F1 returns after a monthlong hiatus due to two canceled races.
AUSL Golden Ticket
May 1, 2026

‘Golden Tickets’ Could Juice AUSL College Draft

The ticket ensures players will be selected by a team in May.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 30, 2026

F1’s New Era Hits Reset in Miami: How Will Teams Adjust to Rules?

Drivers have been unhappy about F1’s new regulations.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 6, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Jon Rahm in action during the third round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.
April 30, 2026

7 Questions About LIV After Saudis Pull Funding

LIV’s 2026 season is scheduled to run through August.
April 30, 2026

Saudi PIF Confirms LIV Exit; League Creates New Exec Board

The league is searching for new investors to try to survive.
April 29, 2026

Reports Reignite Talk of Saudi PIF’s LIV Golf Exit

The Saudi PIF will not fund LIV after the 2026 season.