The 2023/24 season marked a watershed moment for Brighton & Hove Albion as the club competed in European football for the first time while maintaining their Premier League position. Now with the financial results released, we can analyse how this historic campaign impacted the club’s bottom line and what it means for their future trajectory.
On-Field Performance
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton enjoyed a memorable season that included Europa League football with standout victories against Ajax and Marseille. Despite the additional fixtures, the Seagulls still secured a credible 11th place Premier League finish—the third-highest in their 124-year history.
Financial Overview
Revenue Breakdown
Total Revenue: £222.4 million (up 8.9% from £204.5 million in 2022-23, excluding New Monks Farm development revenue)
- Premier League/Broadcast & UEFA Income: £163.8 million (up 5.6%, 74% of total revenue)
- Commercial Income: £30.8 million (up 25.2%, 14%)
- Matchday: £27.9 million (up 13.2%, 13%)
The Bees saw a slight dip in revenue compared to the previous season as a result of a poorer league finish.
Key Expenses
- Staff Costs: £146.2 million (up 14.6% from 2022/23)
- Player Amortisation: £39.4 million (up 20.2%)
- Other Operating Expenses: £105.0 million (up 82%)
The increase in staff costs reflects the growing ambition of the club, with player wages forming the bulk of this expense. Major investment saw £122.4 million spent on player acquisitions, nearly double the £61.9 million from the previous year.
Financial Performance
- Operating Profit: £73.3 million (down from £130.7 million in 2022/23)
- Profit Before Tax: £75.1 million (down from £133.3 million in 2022/23)
- Wages to Revenue Ratio: 66% (compared to 62% in 2022/23)
While profits decreased from the exceptional previous year, they remained substantial and healthy. The wages-to-revenue ratio of 66% positions Brighton much better than some Premier League rivals, sitting within the sustainable threshold for football operations.
Player Trading Success
The accounts include substantial transfer fees received, most notably the British transfer record sale of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea and the fee received for Robert Sanchez. This player trading activity demonstrates Brighton’s continuing success with their recruitment model—identifying undervalued talent, developing them, and generating substantial transfer profits.
Chairman Tony Bloom noted: “Overall, the accounts show another healthy profit during a period when we’ve stayed competitive on the field, while also making some significant investments in terms of early summer transfer dealings.”
Premier League Context
When comparing to Premier League averages:
- Matchday Income: At 13% of total revenue, this is below the league average of closer to 15%
- Wages to Revenue Ratio: Brighton’s 66% is right around the Premier League average of approximately 60-65%
- Broadcast Dependence: The club’s 74% revenue from broadcasting and UEFA is higher than the league average of around 65%
Fan and Community Engagement
The club has seen impressive growth in fan engagement both locally and globally, with a pre-season tour to Japan attracting substantial interest. The Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation continues its community work, supporting more than 35,000 people across Sussex through various programs.
Strategic Approach
Brighton’s model appears to be based on:
- Smart Investment: Targeted spending on playing talent to establish European competition credentials
- Improved Matchday Experience: Continued investment in stadium facilities with further upgrades planned
- Owner Support: Substantial backing from Tony Bloom’s ownership group
- Commercial Growth: A notable increase in commercial revenue shows progress in building the club’s global profile
What This Means For Fans
The Positives
- European Experience: The investment delivered Europa League football with memorable victories over clubs like Ajax and Marseille
- Infrastructure Growth: Ongoing stadium improvements, including an upgraded sound system and a new fanzone opening in early 2025
- Women’s Team Development: Increased investment in the Women’s team, with plans to bring them home to Brighton
The Challenges
- Competing With Elite Clubs: Maintaining progress while operating with fewer financial resources than the “Big Six”
- Player Turnover: The business model requires selling top talent, which can be difficult for supporters to accept
- Managerial Changes: Transitioning between coaches as bigger clubs target Brighton’s successful managers
Looking Forward
For supporters, these accounts reflect both the ambition of the Tony Bloom era and the realities of competing at the highest level of European football. Despite operating in a challenging financial environment, Brighton continues to demonstrate that with smart leadership, excellent recruitment, and strategic vision, a well-run club can compete effectively in the Premier League.
The future looks promising with investments in facilities continuing and the recent appointment of Fabian Hurzeler showing early positive signs. The club’s vision of being sustainable, consistently in the top ten of the Premier League, and developing the women’s team to challenge for the Women’s Super League top four remains firmly on track.
This analysis is based on published financial information from Brighton & Hove Albion Holdings’ annual report for the year ending 30 June 2024, along with publicly available club information. The blog aims to present complex financial data in an accessible format for fans, while acknowledging that financial reports provide a snapshot at a specific moment in time.