Manchester vs. Barcelona – an Economic Comparison
London, 22 May 2009. On 27 May, over 80 mill. fans across Europe will keep their fingers crossed for one of the two UEFA Champions League finalists. For this occasion, sponsorship consultancy SPORT+MARKT has not only analysed the European fanbase of the two rivals but also the economic figures behind the teams. Against Barcelona, Manchester United will try to be the first team to defend their title since the competition was introduced in 1992. After winning the Barclay's Premier League, the Carling Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup, it would be their fourth title this season. FC Barcelona will try to stop their incredible run of 25 unbeaten games in Europe’s major club football competition.
Manchester United and FC Barcelona both belong to the most successful and most popular clubs worldwide. In SPORT+MARKT study “Football Top 20”, the Catalan team was the most popular team across Europe with 44.2 mill. fans in 16 key markets, while Manchester United holds third rank with a European fanbase of 37.6 mill. In comparison to last season, the clubs have come closer together as the number of ManU fans increased significantly due to the Champions League title.
“The UEFA Champions League represents the top event in European club football. Being in the final attracts international fans and provides more financial opportunities”, comments Gareth Moore, International Sales Manager of SPORT+MARKT. “Due to the international popularity of the event, we expect both finalists again to gain fans from abroad.“
SPORT+MARKT figures underline the significance of the European football event. In the markets of the finalists, over 40% of the population shows an interest in the event. In Italy, where the final will take place, the interest level is at almost half of the population. Despite the popularity of FC Barcelona, they attract less fans to their stadium. Although Camp Nou has over 20,000 seats more than Old Trafford, the attendance last season was lower. Manchester United reaches a stadium usage of 99% while Barcelona fans only occupied 71% of the seats. Despite the consequence of lower matchday income, the turnover figures of the finalists are at a comparable level.
Moore comments: “If Barcelona had a paying jersey partner, they could reach the exact same level.”
While ManU still receives GBP 14.1 mill. from jersey sponsor AIG, the Catalans pay about GBP 1.2 mill. per year to the charity UNICEF. Not only does Barcelona pay more for their jersey sponsor, but also for players. With GBP 142.8 mill., Barça invested significantly more in new players over the past three years than United (GBP 95.5 mill.). On Wednesday, we will see if this investment brings them their third Champions League title.
Graph 1: Interest in the UEFA Champions League in comparison to the domestic league UK, Spain and Italy
Graph 2: Overview: Economic comparison of UEFA Champions League Finalists 2009
2 Source: Deloitte Football Money League
3 Balance = Income – spending
4 Source: SPORT+MARKT Football Top 20 2008/09
Further Sources: SPORT+MARKT Market Intelligence
About us
SPORT+MARKT is one of the leading global providers of sport marketing analysis, evaluation and consultancy. The company is focused on maximising the success of its clients on the global sport, sponsorship and advertising markets. As an independent and impartial market insider with over 20 years of experience, SPORT+MARKT is a renowned partner of the top players in the sector. In addition to its headquarters in Cologne, Germany, SPORT+MARKT has offices in the U.K., Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Singapore. With over 500 employees, the company currently operates in more than 120 countries worldwide.
Your contact:
PR, Headquarters
Julia Kunkel
International PR Manager
SPORT+MARKT AG
Luxemburger Str. 299
50939 Cologne
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)221 430 73 177
Fax: +49 (0)221 430 73 161
julia.kunkel@sportundmarkt.com
www.sportundmarkt.com
U.K. Office
Gareth Moore
Director U.K.
SPORT+MARKT AG
27 Austin Friars
London EC2N 2QP
U.K.
Tel.: +44 (0)207 614 3341
gareth.moore@sportundmarkt.com
www.sportundmarkt.com
Manchester United and FC Barcelona both belong to the most successful and most popular clubs worldwide. In SPORT+MARKT study “Football Top 20”, the Catalan team was the most popular team across Europe with 44.2 mill. fans in 16 key markets, while Manchester United holds third rank with a European fanbase of 37.6 mill. In comparison to last season, the clubs have come closer together as the number of ManU fans increased significantly due to the Champions League title.
“The UEFA Champions League represents the top event in European club football. Being in the final attracts international fans and provides more financial opportunities”, comments Gareth Moore, International Sales Manager of SPORT+MARKT. “Due to the international popularity of the event, we expect both finalists again to gain fans from abroad.“
SPORT+MARKT figures underline the significance of the European football event. In the markets of the finalists, over 40% of the population shows an interest in the event. In Italy, where the final will take place, the interest level is at almost half of the population. Despite the popularity of FC Barcelona, they attract less fans to their stadium. Although Camp Nou has over 20,000 seats more than Old Trafford, the attendance last season was lower. Manchester United reaches a stadium usage of 99% while Barcelona fans only occupied 71% of the seats. Despite the consequence of lower matchday income, the turnover figures of the finalists are at a comparable level.
Moore comments: “If Barcelona had a paying jersey partner, they could reach the exact same level.”
While ManU still receives GBP 14.1 mill. from jersey sponsor AIG, the Catalans pay about GBP 1.2 mill. per year to the charity UNICEF. Not only does Barcelona pay more for their jersey sponsor, but also for players. With GBP 142.8 mill., Barça invested significantly more in new players over the past three years than United (GBP 95.5 mill.). On Wednesday, we will see if this investment brings them their third Champions League title.
Graph 1: Interest in the UEFA Champions League in comparison to the domestic league UK, Spain and Italy
Graph 2: Overview: Economic comparison of UEFA Champions League Finalists 2009
2 Source: Deloitte Football Money League
3 Balance = Income – spending
4 Source: SPORT+MARKT Football Top 20 2008/09
Further Sources: SPORT+MARKT Market Intelligence
About us
SPORT+MARKT is one of the leading global providers of sport marketing analysis, evaluation and consultancy. The company is focused on maximising the success of its clients on the global sport, sponsorship and advertising markets. As an independent and impartial market insider with over 20 years of experience, SPORT+MARKT is a renowned partner of the top players in the sector. In addition to its headquarters in Cologne, Germany, SPORT+MARKT has offices in the U.K., Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Singapore. With over 500 employees, the company currently operates in more than 120 countries worldwide.
Your contact:
PR, Headquarters
Julia Kunkel
International PR Manager
SPORT+MARKT AG
Luxemburger Str. 299
50939 Cologne
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)221 430 73 177
Fax: +49 (0)221 430 73 161
julia.kunkel@sportundmarkt.com
www.sportundmarkt.com
U.K. Office
Gareth Moore
Director U.K.
SPORT+MARKT AG
27 Austin Friars
London EC2N 2QP
U.K.
Tel.: +44 (0)207 614 3341
gareth.moore@sportundmarkt.com
www.sportundmarkt.com