Ownership & Revenue Streams
1991-2005
London Stock Exchange
Before 2005 (the pre-Glazer era), Manchester United was a publicly traded club on the London Stock Exchange from 1991-2005. By being publicly traded, the club was financially stable, profitable, and self-sustaining through matchday revenue, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights. There was even investment in a stadium expansion, increasing the seats in Old Trafford from 44,000 to 68,000 by 2000.
2005-Present
Glazer Family
The Glazer family, which was an American business group led by a man named Malcolm Glazer, purchased the club through a leveraged buyout for £790 million (~$830 million) in 2005. A leverage buyout meant that the Glazers borrowed money to finance the purchase and then transferred the debt onto the club’s balance sheet. Consequentially, the club’s debt reached £660 million ($1.1 billion at the time), leading to increased interest payments for the club and financial controversy. In 2010 and 2021, fans protested the high debt that had been taken on by the club, along with the lack of reinvestment and poor decisions that had been made by the Glazers.
In 2024, British Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO of INEOS, purchased a 25% stake in Manchester United for approximately £1.3 billion ($1.65 billion). His investment in United grants him sporting control, with promises to improve club infrastructure, recruitment, and financial stability, something Manchester United desperately yearn for. There is speculation that Ratcliffe could eventually increase his stake from 25% and push the Glazers out completely.[11]
Revenue Streams
Manchester United is one of the richest soccer clubs in the world. Its 2023-24 annual revenue was about £640 million ($800 million), coming from a few different sources. The first one being broadcasting revenue, which generates £280 million ($350 million) per year. The Premier League earns the club around half of their broadcasting revenue from domestic and international rights. Champions League earns about £50-80 million per season, depending on how far United make it in the tournament. The FA Cup, League Cup, and other competitions make up the rest of the broadcasting revenue from Television deals and prize money.[12]
Sponsorship and Commercial deals make up another large portion of the club’s revenue, bringing in £300 million ($375 million) per year. Starting off with who the kit is made by, Adidas, who United signed a 10-year, £750 million deal signed in 2015 that was renewed in 2023. The main sponsor on the chest of the kit, TeamViewer, from 2021-2023, and the current sponsor Snapdragon (Qualcomm) generate £60 million per year. Other key sponsors that contribute to revenue are DHL, Tezos, Aeroflot, Chivas, and Konami.
Pre-season tours in the United States, Asia, and Australia make up a minor portion of revenue, bringing in £10-15 million per year for the Manchester club. Matchday revenue generates £120 million ($150 million) per year. Old Trafford now holds 74,310 people, which generates high gate receipts. Not to mention, Manchester United tickets are among some of the most expensive tickets in England, averaging around £50-70 per ticket.[13] Manchester United’s theater of dreams has begun to age, which has led to Ratcliffe hinting at a £1.5 billion rebuild project. A major cost to the club but will hopefully generate more revenue and profits in the future. As for merchandising and licensing, that brings in £80 million ($100 million) per year. United generates millions in global kit sales (estimated about 2 million jerseys per year).