How Manchester City’s Commercial Growth Compares to Other Premier League Clubs
Manchester City has experienced remarkable commercial expansion over recent years, turning on‑pitch success into off‑pitch financial muscle. Their growth has propelled them into the upper echelons of football club economics — outpacing traditional giants like Manchester United in some commercial metrics and maintaining close rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal as serious competitors. This article examines how City’s commercial growth compares with other Premier League clubs, analyzes revenue trends, and provides insights into the evolving financial landscape of top‑flight football.
The Commercial Growth Story: Manchester City vs Premier League Rivals
Commercial revenue — income from sponsorships, brand partnerships, merchandise, licensing, and corporate deals — is a critical metric for how globally valuable a club’s brand has become.
According to recent analyses, Manchester City generated an estimated £349 million in commercial revenue for the 2023/24 season — making them one of the most commercially successful clubs in the Premier League.
Below is a comparison of press reported commercial revenues among the English league’s leading clubs for the 2023/24 season:
| Club | Estimated Commercial Revenue 2023/24 | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | £349 m | Highest in PL; reflects huge global partnerships and sponsorships. Sports View |
| Liverpool | £308 m | Strong global brand with growing commercial deals. Sports View |
| Manchester United | £302–333 m | Solid commercial base but slower recent growth. Man Utd News |
| Arsenal | Growth outpaced club but from lower base (approx £300m+) | Surge in commercial performance, with biggest % increase from 2018–24. Sports View |
| Tottenham Hotspur | (Data varies by report) | Strong commercial revenue but generally below top four. Sports View |
| Chelsea | (Varies) | Recent commercial struggles due to fewer consistent high‑profile deals. Sports View |
Key takeaway: City sits at or near the top of commercial revenue rankings in the Premier League — a huge shift from even a decade ago — driven by global sponsorships, strong merchandise sales, and strategic deals. Sports View
Long‑Term Commercial Growth Trends
Comparative commercial revenue growth from 2018/19 to 2023/24 reflects how different clubs have developed their financial engines:
| Club | Percentage Growth 2018/19 to 2023/24 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 97 % | Strong growth from a smaller base. Sports View |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 89 % | Increased presence and sponsorships. Sports View |
| Liverpool | 64 % | Consistent performance improvements commercial. Sports View |
| Manchester City | 54 % | Sustained growth but higher starting point. Sports View |
| Chelsea | 22 % | Lower growth trend relative to peers. Sports View |
| Manchester United | 10 % | Least growth among big clubs in period. Sports View |
City’s growth of ~54 % over five years is notable given their already high commercial revenue base — meaning their commercial engines remain robust even past the initial surge of growth. Sports View
Reasons Behind Differential Commercial Growth
📈 Manchester City’s Strategic Sponsorship Deals
City has secured lucrative global partnerships with major brands — including a significant 10‑year £1 billion kit deal with Puma, which alone is expected to lift annual income substantially. The Guardian
Their long‑standing deal with Etihad Airways for shirt and stadium naming rights also remains a substantial revenue pillar. matchdayfinance
📊 Commercial Model Differences
Comparative club differences in commercial revenue strategies include:
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Manchester United: Large global fanbase and historic branding still yield strong revenue, but recent performance dips and less competitive results have slowed commercial growth. Man Utd News
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Liverpool: Strong merchandise and global presence boost commercial revenue, reflected in close competition with City’s totals. Sports View
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Arsenal: Rapid percentage growth due to emerging global deals, but from a lower base than City. Sports View
Broader Revenue Comparison: Money League & Global Context
In the Deloitte Football Money League 2024/25, total revenue — encompassing commercial, broadcast, and matchday income — shows the global scale of top clubs:
| Club | Total Revenue (2023/24) | Rank (Global) |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | €831m | 1st global. Deloitte |
| Manchester City | €838m | Top 2 English. Deloitte |
| Liverpool | €715m | Highest English on some lists. Deloitte |
| Manchester United | ~€770m | Strong but lower recent growth. footballunspoken.com |
| Arsenal | ~€716m | High increasing trajectory. footballunspoken.com |
Manchester City consistently ranks among the top revenue generators worldwide, showcasing that its commercial strategy is competitive on both domestic and global stages — even against global giants such as Real Madrid. Deloitte
Note: Rankings can vary year‑to‑year, especially with factors like broadcast deals or stadium expansions impacting total revenue. footballunspoken.com
Commercial vs Matchday & Broadcast Revenue
Revenue streams for clubs can be broken down broadly into:
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Commercial Revenue: Sponsorships, partnerships, retail & licensing.
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Broadcast Revenue: Distribution from leagues, UEFA competitions.
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Matchday Revenue: Tickets, hospitality, and gameday experiences.
City’s commercial share has historically formed a roughly 48 % slice of total revenue, reflecting heavy investment and strong brand monetization. latestbettingoffers.co.uk
By contrast, some clubs (e.g., United in 2023/24) show commercial forming around 45.8 % of total income, often with larger shares coming from merchandise and retail. latestbettingoffers.co.uk
Commercial Growth and Brand Valuation Trends
Brand valuations — often reflected via Enterprise Value (EV) — show that clubs with high commercial growth tend to also rank high in overall club valuation.
In recent financial studies:
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Manchester City’s EV surpassed €5.10 billion, narrowly ahead of Manchester United’s €5.05 billion. Sports View
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Other English clubs like Liverpool (€4.2bn) and Arsenal (€4.01bn) show strong brand value but still trailing behind the Manchester giants. Sports View
This trend illustrates that strong commercial growth often translates into higher valuations as sponsors, fans, and revenue streams align with brand power. Sports View
Strategic Factors Behind City’s Commercial Success
City’s commercial growth is underpinned by several strategic factors:
🌍 1. Global Brand Exposure
City’s global tours, media content (including documentaries), and digital fan platforms widen audience exposure beyond traditional football markets. matchdayfinance
🤝 2. High‑Value Sponsorship Deals
Deals like Etihad and Puma are among the most valuable in Premier League history, indicating broad commercial trust in City’s brand. The Guardian
🏟 3. Infrastructure Investment
Stadium expansions and hospitality developments further support commercial opportunities, including non‑matchday events and premium experiences. matchdayfinance
📊 4. Consistent Sporting Success
Sustained on‑field performance results in broader media exposure and higher sponsor interest. matchdayfinance
Comparison Table: Commercial Growth vs Revenue Composition
| Metric | Manchester City | Manchester United | Liverpool | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Revenue (£) | ~£349 m (2023/24) | ~£302–333 m | ~£308 m | ~£300 m+ (est.) |
| Commercial Growth (%) | ~54 % (2018–24) | ~10 % | ~64 % | ~97 % |
| % of Total Revenue | ~48 % | ~46 % | Varies | Varies |
| Enterprise Value (€) | ~€5.10bn | ~€5.05bn | ~€4.2bn | ~€4.01bn |
This snapshot highlights both absolute figures and relative growth over time — showcasing differing commercial strategies across clubs. Sports View+1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Manchester City’s commercial revenue so high?
City’s commercial revenue is boosted by high‑value sponsorships (e.g., Puma, Etihad), global brand exposure, and diversified partnerships with international corporations. matchdayfinance
2. How does City compare with Manchester United commercially?
City currently generates more commercial revenue than United, with an estimated £349 m versus roughly £302–333 m in 2023/24, and has grown at a faster rate over five years. Sports View+1
3. Do Liverpool or Arsenal earn more than City?
Liverpool and Arsenal have strong commercial revenue, but in reported figures City often leads or closely competes with them on high‑value global deals. Sports View
4. Does commercial revenue make City the richest club?
While commercial revenue is among the highest, total club revenue also includes broadcast and matchday income; clubs like Real Madrid have higher total revenue globally. Deloitte
5. Is City’s commercial growth sustainable?
Given long‑term deals and global brand strategies, City’s commercial model appears sustainable as long as on‑field success and brand visibility continue. matchdayfinance
6. What role do sponsorship deals play in revenue?
High‑value deals with brands like Puma and Etihad contribute significantly, often making up large portions of the club’s commercial income. matchdayfinance
7. How has Premier League success helped City’s commercial growth?
Winning major trophies enhances global visibility, attracting sponsors and expanding commercial opportunities. matchdayfinance
8. Why has Manchester United’s commercial growth lagged?
United’s commercial growth has been slower recently, partly due to on‑pitch struggles and fewer high‑profile tournament appearances. Man Utd News
9. What global rankings reflect City’s commercial position?
In Deloitte’s Football Money League, City ranks near the top globally in total revenue, often second only to Spanish giants like Real Madrid. Deloitte
10. Do Premier League clubs outpace European rivals commercially?
Premier League clubs generally generate high commercial income relative to other leagues due to global fanbases and lucrative broadcast rights. footballunspoken.com
External Resources for Further Reading
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📊 Manchester City Commercial Revenue Report – https://www.matchdayfinance.com/post/manchester-city-financial-results-2024-25 ([turn0search0])
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📈 Man City, Liverpool, Man United Commercial Revenue Comparison – https://sportsview.co.uk/2025/08/man-city-and-liverpool-overtake-man-united-in-commercial-revenue-as-arsenal-surge-ahead/ ([turn0search1])
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📊 Premier League Club Revenue Breakdown – https://footballunspoken.com/fr/football-news/premier-league-club-revenue/ ([turn0search2])
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📊 Deloitte Football Money League 2025 – https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/Industries/tmt/analysis/deloitte-football-money-league..html ([turn0search6])
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📊 Deloitte Football Money League 2024 – https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/services/consulting-financial/analysis/deloitte-football-money-league-2024.html ([turn0search10])
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📰 Real Madrid Leads Global Revenue – https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/real-madrid-are-footballs-biggest-earners-liverpool-best-premier-league-2026-01-22/ ([turn0news21])
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📌 Manchester United Commercial Growth Insights – https://manutdnews.com/man-uniteds-commercial-growth-just-10-as-city-liverpool-and-arsenal-surge-ahead/ ([turn0search13])
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📈 Sponsorship Revenue History – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/omaralraisi_premierleague-sponsorship-footballfinance-activity-7314962145211746-HyPp ([turn0search8])
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📊 Premier League Financial Dominance – https://www.reddit.com/r/PremierLeague/comments/1btcj4k ([turn0reddit36])
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📊 European Club Revenue Ranking – https://www.reddit.com/r/championsleague/comments/1qjfo0j/deloitte_money_league_2026/ ([turn0reddit48])
Conclusion
Manchester City’s commercial growth stands as one of the most compelling financial stories in modern football. Their ability to forge high‑value partnerships — including record sponsorship contracts — coupled with sustained on‑field success, robust global branding, and revenue diversification has helped them surpass traditional club powerhouses like Manchester United and closely rival Liverpool and Arsenal. In the evolving landscape of football finance, City’s commercial strategy remains one of the most influential blueprints for global sporting brands.
