FC Schalke 04 continue to strengthen financial position

Schalke closed the financial year with a consolidated net profit of €5.5 million, meeting its forecast of achieving a profit in the low to mid-single-digit million range.

As the club switched its financial year from a calendar-year to a season-based structure, the comparison period is the short 2024 financial year (1st January 2024 – 30th June 2024). Revenues for 2024/2025 rose to €157.9 million (H1 2024: €74.5 million). Direct comparison is limited due to the shorter previous period. Part of the increase reflects a high number of special events at the VELTINS-Arena – including sold-out concerts by international stars such as Taylor Swift and Champions League home fixtures for Shakhtar Donetsk – as well as significant transfer income from player sales.

Total liabilities decreased from €162.7 million to €147.9 million during the financial year, driven by the repayment of financial borrowings. Net financial liabilities were also reduced from €114.7 million to €110.8 million. The accumulated deficit not covered by equity improved from €104.0 million to €99.1 million as a result of the annual profit. Schalke also made further progress towards fulfilling the DFL’s equity requirements. “Despite economic and sporting challenges in recent seasons, we remain firmly on track to strengthen our financial stability and regain strategic flexibility. Maintaining discipline – both in generating revenue and managing costs – remains crucial,” explained Christina Rühl-Hamers, board member for finance.

Drawing the future – for Schalke opportunities

For the 2025/2026 financial year, S04 expect a balanced consolidated result or a net profit in the low single-digit million range. The club is also set to benefit from a structural milestone: amortisation of the VELTINS-Arena will conclude in 2026 after 25 years. “That will provide welcome relief as we continue to meet the DFL’s equity requirements,” Rühl-Hamers noted. “At the same time, we are continuing our disciplined strategy to create scope for future investment. Our new bond, which primarily refinances the 2021/2026 bond, plays an important role in our long-term financial planning.”

Schalke approved the issuance of its sixth corporate bond on 5th September 2025, under the motto “Drawing the future – for Schalke opportunities”. Investors in the 2021/2026 bond will be able to exchange their notes, with holders of the 2022/2027 bond also offered an early voluntary swap option.

Schalke remain fully committed to their medium- and long-term strategy. “Our priority remains clear. We want to provide a competitive budget for our team and enable a sustainable return to the Bundesliga,” explained Rühl-Hamers. “At the same time, we must always meet our financial obligations and continue improving our equity position. All three elements must work in harmony — and given our sporting and financial development, we are really optimistic.”

The club’s financial foundations rest on several strong pillars: its own commercial rights, a robust partner and sponsorship base, and stable matchday and event revenue streams. “Our commercial structure is solid and geared for the future,” emphasised Rühl-Hamers. “We have strong partners, a unique stadium, and with the Knappenschmiede, one of Europe’s most renowned academies, which is an also asset of major financial importance.”

With over 200,000 members and a worldwide reach of around nine million social media followers, Schalke remain one of Europe’s largest sports clubs. “This community is our greatest strength – it gives us identity, support and a responsibility to manage the club sustainably,” concluded Rühl-Hamers.