Premier League’s Commercial Revenue Soars, Boosting Player Wages
The Premier League’s financial strength continues to cement its status as the world’s most attractive football competition, according to the latest Deloitte annual report published this week.
Commercial revenue for the 2012-2013 season surged by 21%, reaching €2.9 billion, with projections suggesting it could climb to around €3.7 billion in the current season. This remarkable growth is a key factor behind the league’s ability to attract some of the world’s top talent.
The report highlights that much of the financial uplift is benefiting players directly. The total wage bill for Premier League clubs increased by 8%, now standing at €2.1 billion — underscoring the league’s lucrative contracts and investment in talent.
However, the picture is less optimistic beyond the top flight. Clubs in the lower divisions collectively ran a deficit of €281 million as of spring 2013. Notably, more than a third of the Premier League’s overall debt is attributed to a single club, Chelsea, illustrating the financial challenges even among elite teams.
