A recent study by Deloitte (6th June 2013) has discovered that the 19 North West based Premier and Football League clubs have generated a combined revenue of over £1 billion for the second season in succession.

This figure amassed by the North West clubs represents 35% of the total revenue produced by the 92 clubs in England’s top four divisions. The total figure for the four divisions presently stands at around £3 billion. During the 2011/12 season the North West had an impressive total of seven representatives in the Premier League. These seven clubs accumulated a combined revenue of over £990 million.

The 22nd Annual Review of Football Finance carried out by Deloitte’s Sport Business Group revealed that total revenue exceeded £3 billion for the first time ever. As one may expect, Manchester United posted the highest revenue with around £320 million, with Manchester City on £231 million. Liverpool reached £189 million and Everton £81 million.

Manchester United also sat at the top of the table for the greatest operating profit. The Old Trafford club posted a figure of £84 million in stark contrast to their rivals Manchester City, who posted operating losses of £21 million.  Heavy spenders Manchester City were unsurprisingly the top of the list in terms of clubs shelling out the most money in wages. Manchester United were third and Liverpool in fifth in this department.

The study is largely demonstrative of the fact that despite the challenging economic situation at present, football is still a very lucrative business in the North West and increased interest and exposure on both the national and global scale have served to enhance revenues, particularly in this area of the United Kingdom.

Here at Farleys, our football solicitors act for a number of individuals and clubs in the North West, from those at grassroots level right through to those in the Premier League. If you have any legal issues relating to football or sports in general, do not hesitate to contact us today in order to discuss your options with one of our specialist sports lawyers.