English clubs remain mindful of the commercialization and professionalization of the women’s game, according to Deloitte Football Money League research.
Deloitte’s Sports Business Group is a leading advisor to governments, investors, sports governing bodies and organizations and publishes annual money league rankings for men’s and women’s football clubs. The female order includes the 15 clubs with the highest revenues for the financial year ending 2024 and focuses on those competing in key football leagues around the world.
The research states that the revenues of clubs in Australia, Sweden and the USA were not available and were therefore not included in the analysis. The rankings also do not take into account the group’s income, such as income attributable to commercial contracts at club level or any contributions from their male counterparts.
This year’s analysis of the Deloitte Football Money League profile shows that revenues exceeded 100 million euros for the first time. English clubs continue to lead the way as eight of the top 15 women’s clubs are from WSL.
Importance UEFA Women’s Champions League it was also highlighted in the research as all seven non-English clubs participated in the group stage of the European competition. Match revenues have increased with increasing attendances in many leagues, which in turn has resulted in greater interest from commercial and television partners.
League F giant Barcelona is the highest-ranked club, which generated revenue of 17.9 million euros, which is an increase of 26% compared to the 2022/23 season. Arsenal then they were ranked second, also with 17.9 million euros with an increase in revenue from matches by 64% and advertising by 48% in the 2023/24 season.
The rest of the top five are completed by two more English clubs in Chelsea (13.4 million euros) i Manchester United (10.7 million euros), followed by Real Madrid (10.5 million euros). Other WSL clubs making the top 15 include Manchester CityAston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton.
Tim Bridge, lead partner for Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: “Revenue growth of 35% in the 2023/24 season. is an impressive reflection of the growth of women’s football in some of the leading markets. Investors and managers are now looking beyond revenue and increasing their focus on the sustainability and growth of clubs.
“Commercial partners and broadcasters are now recognizing the growing profile of the women’s game and increasing their investment, in turn attracting larger and more diverse audiences on new platforms.
“The expansion of the UEFA Women’s Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup shows the need for more matches and competitions. Pairing this with the development of existing competitions, the introduction of new governance and further investment can increase the participation, professionalisation and popularity of the women’s game in the long term.”
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