Real Madrid became the first professional sports organization to reach $1.4 billion in annual revenue during the 2024-25 season, driven by their renovated Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The La Liga club\'s 10% revenue increase marks a transformative financial achievement following their $1.9 billion stadium project.
The renovated Bernabeu features a retractable grass pitch system that moves underground, allowing the venue to host concerts, basketball games, and Madrid\'s first NFL regular-season game in 2025. The 81,000-seat stadium added 4,000 seats and expanded premium hospitality areas to maximize matchday revenue.
Real Madrid\'s matchday income doubled to $290 million in 2023-24 as new facilities opened. The club reported another 38% increase in matchday revenue during 2024-25, reaching approximately $400 million compared to $169 million before construction began in 2019.
Financial Strategy Proves Successful
The club secured construction loans at favorable rates ranging from 1.5% to 2.5% before the pandemic. Real Madrid structured $71.5 million in annual debt service payments separately from core operations, with stadium revenue covering loan obligations over the next 25 years.
Real Madrid maintained profitability throughout the project, posting $244 million in EBITDA and $28.5 million in net profit last season. The club\'s wage-to-revenue ratio dropped to 43%, the lowest in 25 years and well below the 70% limit recommended by the European Club Association.
The organization holds $195 million in cash reserves, double the previous year\'s amount, plus $498 million in undrawn credit lines. Excluding stadium debt, Real Madrid carries just $13.7 million in net debt, demonstrating disciplined financial management during the massive renovation project.