As a major source of income for football clubs worldwide, broadcast revenue has skyrocketed over the past year, driven by the rising popularity of football and the growth of digital streaming platforms.

After COVID-19 caused the worse season in years, the world’s top-grossing football clubs have seen their broadcast revenue recover in 2021. Still, last year brought another downturn.

According to data presented by SafeBettingSites.com, the average broadcast revenue in the football industry dropped by 10% year-over-year to €203 million in 2022.

Broadcast Revenue Declined while Commercial and Matchday Revenues Grew

The broadcast revenue of a football club depends on several factors, including the popularity of the league it plays in, the number of games, and the size and global appeal of its fan base. In some cases, the team’s performance on the pitch can also impact the value of the broadcast rights.

According to Deloitte Football Money League survey, the return of fans brought the overall revenue split of clubs in line with pre-pandemic levels, with the top 20 clubs in the 2021/22 season generating 15% of their revenue from matchday activities, 41% from commercial sources and 44% from broadcasting revenues. Still, the average broadcast revenue dropped year-over-year.

In 2019, the average broadcast revenue of the top 20 Money League clubs amounted to €206 million, up from €177 million a year before that. A year later, when COVID-19 caused the worst season in years, average broadcast revenue plunged by 22% to €159 million.

The return of fans in 2021 caused broadcast revenue to jump to €277 million, the highest figure in years, before falling again in 2022. Statistics show the average broadcast revenue of the top 20 Money League clubs plunged by €24 million year-over-year, while other revenue streams significantly increased.

According to the survey, the matchday revenue skyrocketed 1033% to an average of €68 million in 2022, while the average commercial revenue increased 7% year-over-year to €191 million.

Liverpool FC had the Highest Broadcasting Revenue in 2022

For years, the Premier League has been an absolute leader in broadcast revenue in the football industry.

Although Manchester City is the biggest revenue-generating machine, with €731 million in total revenue in the 2021/2022 season, the Citizens were a few steps behind their biggest rival Liverpool FC regarding broadcasting revenues.

Statistics show Liverpool FC had the highest broadcasting revenue in the 2021/2022 season of €314 million, €20 million more than Manchester City. Real Madrid grossed €308 million from broadcasting payments last year, ranking second in this category. Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United followed, with €294 million, €277 million, and €254 million, respectively.

On the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain topped in matchday and commercial revenues. Last season, the most successful Ligue 1 club reported €383 million worth of commercial income, €100 million more than the world’s top-grossing football club Manchester City. The club reported another €132 million in matchday incomes, more than double that of Manchester City.