Liverpool Football Club experienced a financial loss of £57 million for the 2023/24 season, according to its latest set of accounts. The club's failure to qualify for the prestigious UEFA Champions League, coupled with rising wages and overheads, contributed significantly to this decline in profits. The financial results, covering the year up to May 31, 2024, revealed a mixed picture, with revenue increasing by £20 million to reach £614 million, driven by a rise in commercial revenues, which surpassed £300 million for the first time in the club’s history.
However, while the club’s revenue growth was notable, it was not enough to offset the decline in media revenue, which dropped by £38 million to £204 million. This drop in media income was largely attributed to Liverpool’s participation in the Europa League instead of the Champions League, which naturally generates more lucrative broadcasting deals. Meanwhile, administration costs – which primarily cover wages and operational expenses – rose by £38 million to £600 million. These factors combined to result in a pre-tax loss of £57 million for the year. To put this in perspective, Liverpool had posted a pre-tax loss of £9 million in 2023 and a £7.5 million profit in 2022.
Despite the financial loss, Liverpool’s bank debt showed some positive movement, decreasing by £10 million to £116 million. This improvement was part of the club's broader financial strategy to reduce debt levels over time. Notably, administration costs have seen a sharp rise over the past few years, having surged by 88% since 2018. In 2018, these costs stood at £320 million, and this increase has been driven by the growth in wages and other operational expenses associated with competing at the highest level in both domestic and international football.
One of the key highlights for Liverpool in the 2023/24 season was the significant investments made in the team’s squad. The club spent considerable funds to strengthen its midfield, bringing in several high-profile players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch. In addition to these signings, Liverpool extended contracts for 11 players in its men’s squad. The women’s team also saw improvements, with seven new signings, including Natasha Flint, Marie Höbinger, and Sophie Román Haug, as well as five contract extensions.
Another area of success for Liverpool was its match-day revenue, which saw an increase of £22 million, reaching £102 million. This boost was driven by the opening of the new Anfield Road Stand and a higher number of competitive games played throughout the season. The commercial side of the business also showed impressive growth, with a £36 million increase in revenue, pushing the total to £308 million. The club secured several new global partnerships in 2023-24, including deals with UPS, Google Pixel, Peloton, and Orion Innovation. In addition, Liverpool experienced record revenues across its retail operations, with seven global retail locations, including a new store in Dublin, contributing to this surge.
Jenny Beacham, Liverpool’s Chief Finance Officer, commented on the club's financial priorities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining financial sustainability amid rising costs. She noted that the club’s continued success in its commercial operations, combined with the opening of the new Anfield Road Stand, helped boost revenues during the reporting period. Beacham also highlighted the global appeal of the club, which remains a core strength and a significant opportunity for continued growth. This global recognition is vital for Liverpool as it aims to remain competitive at the highest levels in both the men’s and women’s games. Despite the challenges faced during this financial year, the club is focused on sustaining growth and securing long-term financial stability.
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