The mythology and history of Anfield are what make it valuable to Liverpool supporters. However, it is undoubtedly a plus that Fenway Sports Group has made it into a money-printing machine. With a capacity of more than 61,000 when the Main Stands and Anfield Road were redeveloped recently, Liverpool produced £80 million in revenue in the most recent financial year, 2022–2023.
That amount, however, does not account for the entire season’s revenue once the Anfield Road Stand reopened and saw a profitable emphasis on hospitality in addition to the addition of about 7,000 seats. The Premier League’s top matchday revenue generators are predicted to be Tottenham, Manchester United, and Arsenal when Liverpool releases their 2023–24 and 2024–25 financial statements. It is understandable that fans are tired of hearing and reading about their teams as if they are just businesses, but FSG’s self-funding ownership model means that matchday revenue, along with broadcast and commercial revenue, is essential to Arne Slot and Richard Hughes’ playing budget.
Although the Boston-based investment group paid £300 million for Liverpool more than ten years ago and has extended multiple interest-free loans to the team, they typically choose to assume financial losses. But they have financially secured Liverpool’s future for a decade with the Anfield renovation. Could they take it a step further, though?
Billy Hogan on expanding Anfield’s capacity
Liverpool has a 30-year season ticket waiting list and sells out most of its matches despite having a capacity of over 61,000. There is little question that, if it were logistically feasible, they could handle a significantly larger number given the club’s popularity on a local, national, and international level. However, it would be yet another costly building project that would either put a heavy burden on John Henry and FSG’s debt or require them to have a lot of cash on hand. According to a recent report from FC Business magazine the Anfield Road redevelopment alone cost £100m, which is £20m higher than reported figures, and £40m higher initial estimates.
In the same piece, Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan revealed FSG stance on potential further expansion, saying: “Really at this point, there are no plans to continued expanding Anfield.
“We will continue to examine life-cycle enhancements and how we can enhance the fan and supporter experience, both inside and outside the stadium. “But as of right now, there aren’t any significant plans for additional expansion.”
How much do Liverpool earn per season from Anfield?
The stadium’s commercial utility may not have an upper limit, even if Liverpool does not currently have plans to increase its capacity at Anfield. Pop sensation Taylor Swift performed at Anfield during the summer, a show that is estimated to have brought in up to £40 million for the local economy in addition to £8 million for Liverpool.
- Liverpool will keep searching for opportunities like this one to take advantage of commercially. Furthermore, even though a naming rights agreement may never happen, a brightly renovated Anfield will always be a magnet for companies seeking to be associated with greatness.
