Tottenham Hotspur has announced a four percent decline in revenue for the financial year ending June 2024, primarily attributed to the club’s failure to qualify for European competitions last season. Chairman Daniel Levy has reinforced the importance of financial sustainability in the club’s transfer dealings.
The club’s total earnings fell to £528.2 million from £549.6 million in the previous year, with UEFA prize money experiencing a drastic decline from £56.2 million to just £1.3 million.
Matchday revenue also took a hit, dropping from £117.6 million to £105.8 million, reflecting the reduction in home fixtures.
The Impact of a Shortened Season
Spurs played only 41 matches in the 2023-24 season, a direct consequence of their absence from European competitions following a disappointing 2022-23 campaign.
That season saw the departure of then-head coach Antonio Conte and early exits from both the FA Cup and League Cup. The lack of European football resulted in nine fewer home games compared to the previous year.
Despite these setbacks, Ange Postecoglou, who succeeded Conte, led the team to a respectable fifth-place finish in the Premier League, positioning the club for a potential return to European competition.
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Boost in Commercial and Media Revenues
While match-related revenues declined, Tottenham saw an increase in commercial and media revenues. Income from sponsorships and attractions rose significantly to £255.2 million from £227.7 million.
Additionally, television and media rights earnings climbed to £165.9 million, up from £148.1 million in the previous year.
Levy Stresses Sustainable Spending
In a statement accompanying the financial results, Levy reiterated the club’s commitment to responsible spending, highlighting the importance of a diversified income strategy. Tottenham’s stadium, which hosts NFL games, concerts, and other high-profile events, has played a key role in supplementing football-related revenue.
“Since opening our new stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £700 million net in player acquisitions,” Levy stated.
“Recruitment remains a key focus, but we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means.”
Addressing calls for increased transfer spending, Levy pointed to the club’s financial reports as evidence that long-term sustainability is crucial.
“Although we are ranked as the ninth richest club globally, our financial figures indicate that spending must align with our recurring revenue streams.
We cannot compromise the club’s financial stability. Our diversified income strategy has proven essential in balancing the impact of lower football revenues.”
Operating Expenses and Financial Performance
The club reported a seven percent decrease in operating expenses (excluding player trading), dropping to £453.6 million from £487.9 million. This decline was primarily due to the reduction in football matches and third-party events at the stadium.
Despite the overall drop in revenue, operating profit before depreciation, amortisation, player trading, interest, and taxation increased by four percent to £144.9 million from £138.7 million.
Tottenham reported a net loss of £26.2 million for the year, a significant improvement from the £86.8 million loss in the previous financial period.
Managing Club Debt
The club’s net debt increased to £772.5 million from £677.4 million, with total borrowings amounting to £851.5 million.
Tottenham reassured stakeholders that over 90 percent of these borrowings are at fixed interest rates, averaging 2.79 percent, with repayment periods spanning an average.
