Europe's top five football leagues could lose billions: Details here
Europe's top five football leagues could be in for real trouble if the remainder of the 2019-20 season doesn't resume. According to a study by KPMG, if the ongoing coronavirus pandemic wipes out the rest of the season, then these leagues could lose as much as four billion euros ($4.33 billion) in combined revenue. Here's more on the same.
Premier League could lose the most money
The accounting firm calculated the total potential matchday, broadcasting and commercial revenues set to be generated by the remaining games across Europe's top five leagues, which added up to between 3.45-4 billion euros. Moreover, the Premier League would lose the most, with as much as 1.25 billion euros in store - a potential 800 million euros of that in broadcasting revenue alone.
EPL's broadcasting revenue losses would be the highest
"Broadcasters who have collective deals with leagues may claim that they want money back proportionally if matches are cancelled and the season is not completed," said the report. EPL's broadcasting revenue losses would be the highest despite having fewer games left in comparison to every other league apart from the Bundesliga, which has only 18 teams in the top-flight division.
What the other leagues would lose?
The top five leagues in Europe depend largely on broadcast revenues. Therefore, it's a big worry for these leagues. La Liga could lose as much as 600 million euros from broadcasters. Meanwhile, Italy's Serie A clubs stand to lose up to 450 million euros if the season doesn't resume. Germany's Bundesliga and France's Ligue 1 could lose 400 and 200 millions euros respectively.
What lies in store for the concerned parties?
The Euro 2020 was postponed to 2021 and that comes as a breather. At the moment, the leagues are on hold until at least early April. The UEFA committed to help see leagues finish their respective seasons by June 30. But the target date will need to be reviewed especially if the coronavirus outbreak doesn't slow down. Over 8,000 people have died worldwide.
