EPL clubs back in good financial health
Premier League clubs are back in the black overall for the first time in 15 years.
Reason: Thanks to a rise in TV income and a show of restraint in raising player wages.
Figures released by analysts Deloitte show that the 20 clubs’ annual figures combined show a pre-tax profit for the first time since 1998/99 — to the tune of £190m ($387.3m) in 2013/14.
Premier League revenues have risen 29 per cent from £2.5billion to £3.3billion due to the increase in the value of the TV deals, but wages have grown by just six per cent in the same period — £1.8billion to £1.9billion overall.
Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: “Last season was the first in the Premier League’s current three-year broadcast deal, which was a record-breaker when it was struck.
“Combined with strong commercial growth at the highest revenue generating clubs, this has boosted Premier League revenue 29 per cent to a record £3.3b.
But despite this extra income clubs showed relative restraint in wage costs, which grew by six per cent to £1.9b.
The figures will provide good news for the 20 club chairmen who meet in London on Thursday — where they will also face a protest organised by the Football Supporters’ Federation .
They are calling on the top flight to use the increase in TV income to cut ticket prices and funnel more money to the lower leagues and grassroots.
Source: PA Sport
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