Full Breakdown
Deloitte Football Money League 2026: Revenue Trends and Club Rankings
1/22/2026, 3:45:49 AM
Overview of the Money League Findings
The 2026 edition of the Deloitte Football Money League reveals significant shifts in club revenues for the 2024-25 season, with total earnings surpassing €12 billion (£10.4 billion) for the first time. Real Madrid leads the rankings, generating a record €1.2 billion (£975 million), followed closely by Barcelona at €975 million (£849.3 million), Bayern Munich at €861 million (£750 million), and Paris Saint-Germain at €837 million (£729.1 million). Liverpool ranks fifth with €836 million (£728.2 million), marking the first time an English club has topped the list.
Revenue Breakdown
The report categorizes club revenues into three main sources: commercial, broadcast, and matchday. Commercial revenue remains the largest segment, accounting for 43% of total earnings, while matchday revenue is the fastest-growing source, increasing by 16% year-over-year. Broadcast revenues, although still substantial at 38% of total income, grew by 10%. Notably, clubs participating in the FIFA Club World Cup saw a 17% increase in broadcast revenues, underscoring the financial impact of expanded competitions.
Key Rankings and Performance
The top ten clubs in the Money League are as follows:
1. Real Madrid: €1.2 billion
2. Barcelona: €975 million
3. Bayern Munich: €861 million
4. Paris Saint-Germain: €837 million
5. Liverpool: €836 million
6. Manchester City: €829 million
7. Arsenal: €822 million
8. Manchester United: €793 million
9. Tottenham Hotspur: €673 million
10. Chelsea: €584 million
This year marks a notable absence of English clubs in the top four for the first time, with Manchester United falling to eighth place due to declining broadcast revenues linked to their absence from European competitions.
Criticism and Financial Health
Despite high revenues, the financial health of clubs remains a concern. Several clubs, including Barcelona, reported pre-tax losses despite significant income. The report emphasizes that high revenues do not guarantee profitability, as operational costs can significantly impact financial outcomes. Tim Bridge, lead partner in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, noted that clubs must balance on-pitch success with effective revenue diversification strategies to maintain their positions in the rankings.
Official Statements
Tim Bridge remarked, “The clubs with the biggest football club brands have an opportunity to broaden their reach and offer more to fans on a matchday and non-matchday.” He emphasized the importance of clubs adapting their business models to maximize revenue potential beyond traditional matchday experiences.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the report provides a comprehensive overview of club revenues, it does not account for clubs that did not submit data, such as Nottingham Forest and Fulham, which may have affected the overall rankings. Additionally, discrepancies in revenue classification among clubs can lead to variations in reported figures.
What's Next
As the football landscape evolves, clubs are expected to continue exploring innovative revenue streams, including enhanced matchday experiences and diversified commercial operations. The next edition of the Money League will reflect the impacts of new broadcast deals and ongoing changes in competition formats, particularly in light of the UEFA Champions League's expansion.
