Leicester City revenues shoot up as club climbs Deloitte Money League
Leicester City’s European adventures in the Champions League last season have seen them shoot up the Deloitte Football Money League 2018.
The Foxes made €271.1m in the 2016-17 season and rise from 20th in the rankings to the 14th highest revenue generating club in world football.
Whilst the Foxes’ Premier League form dropped, their European run sees them climb six places to 14th, outperforming Money League ever-presents Internazionale, but falling just short of their Champions League conquerors Atlético de Madrid. Their 81% revenue increase is the highest in the top 20. Broadcast revenue more than doubled to £191m, after receiving the second highest UEFA distribution from participating in the Champions League; more than winners Real Madrid.
Manchester United retained top spot for a second consecutive year, generating total revenue of €676m (£581m). This year’s battle for first place was the closest in Money League history, just €1.7m (£1.5m) separated Manchester United and second place Real Madrid: United’s win in the Europa League Final proving critical in the club topping our list for a tenth time. Real Madrid moved back above FC Barcelona into second place thanks to strong commercial growth in 2016/17 and a title winning season in both domestic and European competitions, with Bayern Munich and Manchester City making up the remainder of the Money League top five.
A place in the top 20 now requires revenue of approximately €200m, a 16% increase on last year and double the amount required in the 2010 edition of the Money League.
The English Premier League has ten teams in the top 20 this year, the highest ever from one country, with Southampton (18th) making their debut in the Money League top 20, Manchester City consolidating their place in the top five, and Leicester City rising to 14th, from 20th last year. Outside the top 20, there are four more English clubs ranked 21-30, including AFC Bournemouth who debut in 28th place.
