The biggest revenue source comes from TV rights. Of course, Champions League money is also significant. Transfers play a role as well, though the top clubs prefer to buy rather than sell. So, they look to profit wherever they can. And they can earn a lot, as evidenced by the ticket prices for the Champions League knockout stage matches—so high that it raises the question of whether they are truly for every fan or only for those with deep pockets. Of course, the standard of living in different countries plays a role. For example, the most expensive tickets are for perhaps the least attractive match between Paris Saint-Germain and Brest. After PSG’s 3-0 win in the first leg, the prices dropped to a more reasonable 48, 69, and 111 euros, depending on seat quality. But before that 3-0 result, they ranged from 190 to 390. No wonder PSG is the second-highest earner in Europe from matchday revenue.RB Leipzig are charging Liverpool fans just £13 for their upcoming Champions League match…The Germans always have it spot on when it comes to ticket prices👏👏 pic.twitter.com/37Fo9Uafe3— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) October 9, 2024 Overall, Real Madrid makes the most money. It was recently confirmed that they were the first club to surpass one billion euros in annual revenue. Just from matchday earnings—including food, drinks, and other sales on game days—they generated 247.6 million. By comparison, Manchester City brings in “only” 88 million—65% less. And it is precisely Real Madrid and City that are facing off in the playoffs. After a 3-2 first-leg result, everything is still open, and ticket prices for the return match in Madrid range from 115 to 245. That is already quite expensive. Not to mention VIP tickets, which cost between 1,898 and 2,799—and those are prices from a few days ago.’Haaland to Real…it’s going to happen’Germany is somewhat cheaper, despite having Europe’s strongest economy. This is largely because, under the “50+1” ownership rule, most clubs are majority-owned by fans (except for Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Hoffenheim, and RB Leipzig), and they take pricing seriously. For example, a Bayern Munich vs. Celtic match at the Allianz Arena costs between 82 and 108. Even more striking is Borussia Dortmund: for their match against Sporting, standing tickets cost just 18.50. This is a direct result of the 50+1 rule, where fans are seen as supporters rather than consumers. At Borussia’s Signal Iduna Park, 25,500 spots—about 31% of the stadium—are standing areas. Bayern has 19% standing spaces (13,300 seats), which cost just 15, and include a free metro ticket to the stadium. The only problem? Finding a ticket, as they sell out quickly, leaving almost none available except for season ticket holders.Borussia Dortmund’s famous Yellow Wall. Incredible. pic.twitter.com/mzgsqy7buv— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) March 19, 2015 In Spain, the situation is different. Looking beyond just the Champions League, La Liga has the most expensive average ticket price at 68.70. Serie A follows at 60.70, then the Premier League (57.60), Bundesliga (52.50), and finally Ligue 1 (41.70). Despite this, the Premier League has no trouble selling out, with stadiums at 98% capacity. Germany is similar, at 92.6%. The picture is different in Spain (75.9%), France (62.9%), and especially in Serie A, where stadiums are half-empty (46.8%). Of course, pricing is driven by demand—but not only that. In Spain, exact match dates are announced three to four weeks in advance. In Germany, they are known six weeks ahead. In the Premier League, fixtures are set for the entire season as soon as the August 16 draw is completed. This is crucial because away fans must also budget for accommodation and travel.Enrique: “Leaving Dembele out? Decision of the season”That’s why UEFA has strict rules: Champions League clubs cannot charge more than 60 for away section tickets. In the Europa League, the limit is 40, and in the Conference League, it’s 20. The plan is to cap the two highest-priced categories at 50 and 35. Finals are a different story altogether, though even last year’s Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund final at Wembley had affordable tickets starting at 70. Prices then climbed up to 711, but that ultimately comes down to personal choice and financial means. The problem is that fewer and fewer fans can afford such tickets—especially after they sell out in general sale and reappear on resale platforms at much higher prices.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – PLAYOFFSReturn legTuesday 20.45: (1.45) Milan (4.50) Feyenoord (7.00)23.00: (1.55) Atalanta (4.10) Club Brugge (6.00)23.00: (1.20) Bayern (7.25) Celtic (12.0)23.00: (1.95) Benfica (3.50) Monaco (3.90)Wednesday 20.45: (1.95) Dortmund (3.50) Sporting (3.90)23.00: (1.18) PSG (7.25) Brest (15.0)23.00: (2.30) PSV (3.45) Juventus (3.05)23.00: (1.85) Real Madrid (3.80) Man.City (4.00)***odds are subject to change***
