How football clubs make their money

Staff at a food stall prior to the game

There are countless ways in which a football club can make more money.

Clubs spend large amounts of money on their staff management, transfers of players, salaries, stadium or training facilities.

In order to meet these expenses, it is necessary for a club to have quite a few revenue streams in place so that it can grow or else run the risk of disappearing completely.

So how do these clubs make money?

Sponsorships

Football is watched by many people. So when fans see the name of a sponsor on their clubs’ shirt, it will encourage them to buy goods or services from the sponsor. The sponsors give a certain amount of money to the club and in return the club puts the sponsor’s name on their shirts.

1 year ago L-R- Gor Mahia and AFC models pose after the deal with Sportpesa. Announcement by the betting company could spell doom for K'Ogalo and Ingwe

Jersey sales/ Merchandise

Most stadiums will have shops where football fans can buy shoes, kit, scarfs, gloves, bags, bottles and umbrellas. Players’ jerseys are also some of the most popular merchandise bought by fans- bringing in a lot of revenue for clubs.

Manchester United store

Transfer/ selling a player

If a club sells a player for more than they bought them for, they will be making a profit.

World most expensive player Neymar

Ticket Sales/ Income on match days

Clubs get a lot of money from tickets that supporters buy to come to matches, and the food stalls.

QPR break record for season-ticket sales

TV deals/ Television Revenue

Most club’s income are earned via television revenue. The TV deals have allowed for the expansion of the game into untapped markets where football club get companies to sponsor an entire half, or full match with the company's logo or advert appearing periodically on TV screen.