Premier League Suffers $1.4B in Losses

The Premier League’s soccer clubs reportedly suffered the biggest collective loss in their history last year. 

The world’s richest soccer league lost $1.4 billion despite generating $6.3 billion in revenue for the 2019-20 season, according to Deloitte. 

After games were halted and broadcasters sought rebates due to the global pandemic, clubs experienced a 13% drop in revenue. 

Last season marked the first time the combined revenue of clubs had fallen since the Premier League launched in 1992. 

The losses are now impacting how clubs conduct business, particularly during the transfer window. That period, which allows clubs to buy and sell players, opened on June 9 and closes on Aug. 31. 

“I think we will see a relatively quieter summer,” said Dan Jones, head of Deloitte’s Sports Business Group. “But of course, what can always happen in the transfer market is you can get one or two big deals.” 

Premier League teams are currently rebounding thanks to the renewal of broadcasting deals, digital inventory, and ticket sales.

• 20 top-flight clubs agreed to a three-year, $7 billion renewal of domestic broadcast partnerships with Amazon Prime, BBC Sport, BT Sport, and Sky Sports. 
• The league could generate $432 million from digital inventory in 2021, according to a study by Horizm.  
• Fans are permitted back into stadiums, but teams are limited to 25% capacity or 10,000 fans. 

“The Premier League went into the COVID crisis way stronger than other leagues, and it is coming out of it stronger,” added Jones.