The Deloitte Money League is out for 2013/14, and it’s good news for Liverpool, with the reds pushing their way back into the top 10 after a 1-year absence. Looking at the figures from the 2013/14 season, Liverpool climbed 3 places from 12th in the previous standings, with an increase of £49.6m in revenue.
The increase in revenue is unsurprisingly due to the improved broadcasting deal agreed with Sky and BT for the 2013/14 season, with Liverpool managing to bank an impressive extra £37.1m from broadcasting. Although the effects of the improved deal were felt all across the Premier League, Liverpool came out on top receiving the highest central distribution of any Premier League club of £97.5m. Liverpool were the team to watch last season. The club’s complete disregard for defence and constant attempt to simply outscore the opposition brought in audiences worldwide with the guarantee of goals and sheer entertainment. Ultimately this came back to haunt them in the infamous game at Selhurst park, dubbed “Crysantbul”. Regardless of the team you supported last season, you wanted to watch Suarez and Sturridge tear apart the opposition’s defence. With Liverpool back to their creative best this season, along with the participation in the 2014/15 Champions League, we can assume these figure will continue to grow even further next year.
Matchday revenue is where Liverpool, through their own admission, have been falling behind their rivals, pulling in a measly £51m. Although this is an increase on the previous year of £6.4m, when we compare this figure to our top 4 rivals Arsenal and Manchester United we are a long way behind, with the former receiving £100.2m, and the latter £108.1m. If it wasn’t clear already, the Anfield expansion is crucial to the long term financial stability of Liverpool Football Club, generating an estimated extra £20m from an additional 8500 seats as well as £5m from naming rights sponsors each season.
Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool remain focused on increasing the commercial reach of the club. Over the past year the club announced several new deals including US fast-food chains Subway & Dunkin’ Donuts, Garuda Indonesia, Xolo and Vauxhall. Liverpool’s international reach is definitely one of the strongest of all Money League clubs, with commercial revenue increasing by £6.1m.
The Money League is a great indicator for everybody involved with football, and particularly Liverpool Football club. It provides a great indicator of the financial health of the club, whilst highlighting the significant need of investment if Liverpool are to remain amongst the Premier Leagues elite.
One thing is for sure, Fenway Sports Group are pushing Liverpool in the right direction. Looking at the figures since they have taken over from the atrocious Hicks and Gillett era, Liverpool have seen a constant increase in revenue year-on-year, with a reduction of their debt as well as finally delivering on the promise of expanding Anfield.
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