Champions League commercial revenues on the up

Commercial revenues from the UEFA Champions League have risen despite the economic downturn, a study has found.

Barcelona

Improved television rights, sponsorship deals and monies from other commercial partners have boosted revenues at clubs and at UEFA, according to Champions League partner MasterCard.

The report, which comes ahead of today’s (18 December) knockout-stage draw, claims the clubs that remain in the competition have earned an average of £45m from participation, prize money, ticket sales, and club and UEFA commercial revenues.

Simon Chadwick, professor of sports business strategy at Coventry University, who conducted the research, says commercial revenues are up during the economic downturn as sponsors are looking for a safe place for their investment.

“In hard times, sponsors need to be careful about what they spend their money on; they are looking for a guaranteed return.

“They know people will watch the Champions League, so they are just minimising risk”, he told the BBC.

He adds clubs get more money from UEFA’S commercial arrangements because TV audiences are rising.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are all in today’s draw.

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