Real Madrid and Barcelona represent 48% of income across La Liga

Spain has no shortage of existential debates  on the future of La Liga, and the growing domination of the Premier League due to their financial advantages. While Real Madrid and Barcelona plead the need to keep up with England’s riches, the rest of the league often bemoans the inequality within their own division.

The 2023-24 season was a positive one for La Liga though, according to Deloitte, who this summer released their Annual Review of Football Finance. They say that La Liga’s total income increased by 6% on the previous year. The total income of the entire league reached €3.76b, an increase of €229m.

Outside of the behemoth that is the Premier League (€7.35b), which nearly doubles La Liga’s income, the Bundesliga was the only European league to register a higher figure, at just under €3.8b.

Real Madrid and Barcelona dominate La Liga income

Real Madrid proudly proclaimed themselves a €1b-revenue club last year, and between themselves and Barcelona, they represent 48% of the total income flowing in from La Liga. The gap between the highest earners and lowest earners also increased, with Los Blancos earning 19 times more than the lowest earners, compared to 15 times last year.

Increasing health in La Liga

There are other positive signs for La Liga though, with matchday revenue on the up. An extra €149m was collected across the league, representing an improvement of 28% and reflecting increased attendances.

Only Ligue 1 registered more growth compared to the other major European leagues, showing 7% and taking their income up to €2.6b. Serie A grew by 2% to €2.9b total revenue, and the BUndesliga saw a minor decrease of €38m in their total revenue. Across the so-called five major European Leagues, the total income surpassed €20b for the first time, and is projected to make it over the €21b mark, once the figures are in for the 2024-25 season.