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According to Deloitte Football Money League research, English clubs continue to lead the commercialization and professionalization of the women’s game.
Deloitte’s Sports Business Group is a leading advisor to governments, investors, sports governing bodies and organizations and publishes annual Money League rankings for both men’s and women’s football clubs. This Status of women Includes the 15 highest revenue generating clubs for the financial year ending 2024 and focuses on clubs competing in major football leagues around the world.
The research notes that revenues were not made available for clubs in Australia, Sweden and the USA and were therefore not included in the analysis. The rankings also do not take into account group income, such as income attributable to club-wide commercial contracts or any contributions from their male counterparts.
This year’s analysis of the Deloitte Football Money League profiles shows that revenue has surpassed €100m for the first time. Eight of the top 15 women’s clubs are advancing WSL.
The importance of UEFA Women’s Champions League The research also highlighted the fact that seven non-English clubs participated in the group stage of the European competition. Increased attendance in many leagues led to increased match day revenue, which in turn translated into greater interest from commercial and broadcast partners.
Liga F giants Barcelona are the top-ranked club, generating €17.9m in revenue, an increase of 26% from the 2022/23 season. Arsenal Then in the 2023/24 season a close second at €17.9m, with a 64% increase in their matchday revenue and a 48% increase in their commercial.
The rest of the top five is completed by two other English clubs Chelsea (€13.4m) and Manchester United (€10.7m), followed by Real Madrid (€10.5m). Other WSL clubs to finish in the top 15 include: Manchester CityAston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton.
Tim Bridges, principal partner, Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: “The 35% growth in revenue in the 2023/24 season is an impressive reflection of the growth of women’s football in some of its leading markets. Investors and leaders are now looking beyond just revenue and increasing their focus on club sustainability and growth.
“Commercial partners and broadcasters are now recognizing the growing profile of women’s sport and increasing their investment, in turn attracting more and more diverse audiences in new addressable markets.
“The expansion of the UEFA Women’s Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup shows the demand for more games and competition. This combined with developing existing competitions, introducing new regimes and further investment can supercharge the participation, professionalisation and popularity of women’s sport in the long term.”
