Premier League profits boost worries rivals

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Premier League clubs posted record revenues last season to book an aggregate pre-tax profit for only the second time this century.   The increasing financial success of the Premiership is becoming a big worry for its rivals.

Clubs in the top flight made a combined pre-tax profit of £120m in 2014-15, according to the business advisory firm Deloitte.   This was down from £190m in 2013-14, but is the first time Premiership teams have recorded two consecutive years of profit.

Olympic Stadium deal revealed

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Following a legal battle, the terms under which West Ham will rent the Olympic Stadium have been revealed in a 207 page document.   As anticipated, the rent is £2.5m a year which would be halved in the event of relegation.

The rent works out at around £48,000 a week, roughly the same amount the club pays Andy Carroll. This for the use of an arena that cost £700m to build, including £272m to convert for football.

Finding a buyer for a club is not easy

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have been for sale all season at a realistic price, but have not found a buyer. The club does not want to sell to just anyone who might put its future in jeopardy.

As its chief executive explains, there is a belief that there are plenty of buyers around with tens of millions to spend, but in fact there are quite a few clubs for sale and relatively few buyers.

Blackout rule under threat

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Concern is being expressed about the possible removal of the 3pm broadcast blackout rule.   It is argued that it would reduce attendances at lower league and non-league clubs.

Such clubs consider that when they are up against midweek televised matches, attendances decrease. Of course, there are other factors involved such as work commitments and the lack of incentive to come out on a cold, dark night to a draughty ground.

Van Gaal era costs United $1billion

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Almost one billion dollars has been written off the value of Manchester United since Louis van Gaal became manager.   This season the market capitalisation of the club has fallen by $412m from $2 billion to $1.58 billion.

On the plus side, commercial revenues are booming and the new Premier League television contract will kick in next season.  However, if United fail to qualify for the Champions League, it could cost them £50m.

Olympic Stadium deal to be revealed

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The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) has lost an appeal over a decision by the Information Commissioner that the details of its deal with West Ham over the Olympic Stadium should be published.  The matter was pursued by a coalition of football supporters’ organisations.

The LLDC has argued that substantial commercial losses could result in a competive market and may take the matter further in the courts.