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Schalke 04 record positive figures for first time since 2018
FC Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 e.V. presented their financial figures for the first half of 2023 on Tuesday (24/10). For the period of 1st January to 30th June 2023, the Royal Blues recorded a significant €55.9 million increase in turnover to a total of €81.7 million courtesy of their top-flight status. The result was half-year earnings of €9.3 million, a very positive development in view of the €19.9 million loss recorded during the same period of the previous year.
The significantly higher spectator-related revenue that comes with playing Bundesliga football and the many large events held at the VELTINS-Arena following the lifting of all Covid restrictions were some of the reasons behind the increase in turnover, with the far higher income from media rights playing a major role. At the same time, the club was also able to reduce their overall liabilities from €180.1 million (as of 31/12/2022) to €165.1 million. The amount of financial liabilities was also reduced from €139.8 million (as of 31/12/2022) to €126.5 million. The club is forecast to make a seven-figure profit for the whole of 2023.
Our work over the past years has bore fruit and made it possible for us to follow our three central goals simultaneously.
“Our work over the past years has bore fruit and made it possible for us to follow our three central goals simultaneously: to draw up a competitive budget for the team relative to our sporting success, to continue to reduce our liabilities, and ultimately to record a positive financial result,” said Christina Rühl-Hamers, board member for finance. “These half-year figures reflect just how important top-flight status is for Schalke. That is why we set out with a budget of around €40 million for the first team in the hope of achieving survival. Despite those conditions and a solid second half of the season, we sadly weren’t able to make that happen. It’s a painful setback that carries financial consequences.”
The most important strategic goal has therefore been clearly defined: a return to the Bundesliga in the mid-term. However, the Royal Blues first have to face up to the current reality, with the team sitting 16th in the second division. “The principal driver behind financial development is sporting success. That’s no surprise for a sports club. That’s why we will do all we can to stop this negative trend as soon as possible,” said Rühl-Hamers, who noted that the overall economic situation in Germany makes things anything but easy. “We’re feeling that in areas like sponsoring. That’s why it’s all the more important that we improve things on the sporting side as fast as we can, so that we can turn our attention to other goals in the mid-term.”
