By Andrea Caropreso
Index
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The epic extra-time victory over Barcelona, which sent Inter to the seventh UEFA Champions League final in its history, is not only a sporting triumph etched in the memories of Nerazzurri fans.
Behind what was one of the most dramatic and thrilling matches in recent European football history lies a colossal financial success. Thanks to their qualification for the final, Inter pockets another €18.5 million in UEFA prize money—far from negligible, adding to an already financially rewarding season.
The Journey
So far, Inter’s European campaign has brought in around €132 million through UEFA prizes, performance bonuses, ranking-based payouts, ticket sales, and merchandising revenue. These figures not only highlight the great work of CEO Beppe Marotta and his staff, but also allow the club to climb the European revenue rankings, aiming higher than their initial 14th-place position.
Starting with the UEFA participation bonus of €18.62 million—equal for all qualified clubs—the club also secured €9.7 million for its placement in the new single-table ranking system. While performance bonuses were slightly reduced this year (€2.1 million for a win, €700k for a draw), they still provided significant financial support.
Crucial too is the new UEFA “value” pillar, which combines the market pool and the historical ten-year ranking. This highly lucrative system rewards both European (TV rights) and non-European (club prestige) metrics.
Record Ticket Sales
Then there’s San Siro, stage of yet another feat and source of record-breaking income. The return leg against Barcelona saw the highest match-day revenue in Italian football history, reaching €14.7 million with 75,504 spectators—surpassing the previous record (also set by Inter) during the 2022/23 Champions League derby vs Milan by over €2 million. Once again, ticket demand was off the charts, with increased prices boosting revenue well beyond the €12.5 million figure of two seasons ago.
Looking ahead, the final in Munich on May 31st against either PSG or Arsenal isn’t just a shot at lifting the famous “Big Ears” trophy. There’s an additional €17 million on the line for the winner—proof that today’s Champions League is as much a financial goldmine as it is a sporting contest for those who go the distance.
These millions will be crucial not only for the club’s balance sheet, closing in June, but also for the transfer market—where Inter, for years, has had to make strategic moves out of necessity. Inter dreams and cashes in. And for Oaktree, the American fund that owns the club, it’s time to rub their hands.
By Andrea Caropreso
