By Andrea Caropreso
Index
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Let’s not deny it: in an era where television is the primary medium through which fans prefer to watch matches, TV rights represent a significant component of clubs’ revenues. However, it’s important to note that these revenues naturally differ from league to league and, therefore, from championship to championship. The reason is quite simple. As in any transaction, depending on the product offered, buyers decide whether it’s worth spending that money or not. In other words: the quality of the championship, combined with the allure and plays of the stars, makes the difference.
Premier League vs. Serie A: A Harsh Comparison
When Andrea Agnelli, along with Barcelona and Real Madrid, attempted to establish the Super League, the minds of the more attentive returned to some statements previously made by the former Juventus president. Agnelli emphasized how the Premier League has absorbed other championships, achieving unmatched economic dominance. Regardless of the ethics surrounding whether the Super League could represent a more or less fair competition, the reality is that a mini super league already exists and is called the Premier League.
The English top flight boasts an internal GDP that allows even the last-placed team to earn more from TV rights than the top team in Serie A. To give an idea, in 2023, Premier League rights were assigned to Sky UK and TNT Sports for a record £6.7 billion over four years. Juvefc.comibc.org+1The Guardian+1
Figures that, when compared to Italy’s €900 million per season, highlight the disparity in TV rights revenue. This translates on the field as well, as the ability to acquire top talents at salaries beyond reach for others means that English teams start each year competitive on every front.
The Value of First Place
Analyzing the economic impact of winning one’s championship, we see that Italy performs the worst among the top five leagues after Ligue 1. In the Premier League, winning the title guarantees €81 million from TV rights distribution. The English distribute the substantial pot based on various factors, from an equally distributed share to sporting results, and even the number of matches broadcast on TV.
Even in this particular ranking, the gap between the Premier League and others is vast. Beyond the €81 million, other leagues range from €32 million in the Bundesliga to nearly €19 million in Serie A, which only does better than Ligue 1 with €15 million. In between is La Liga, which secures €20.4 million for its champion.
Impact on the Market
What makes a championship and, therefore, a competition appealing is the possibility that even those less structured to win can still compete in a single match on (almost) equal terms. In the Premier League, it’s common for even mid-to-small clubs to afford market expenses that elsewhere, especially in Serie A, aren’t even considered by executives (including big clubs).
This spending capacity is made possible precisely by the different policy adopted by England in distributing TV rights. In Italy, the Melandri law stipulates that the club’s history and fan base also make a difference. Therefore, top Italian teams receive a much larger slice of the pie, creating a gap that’s hard to bridge.
This gap contributes to the lesser appeal of the championship compared to the English one. Thus, the sale of TV rights, both domestically and internationally, will be lower, as will the quality of play and the number of stars who tend to play where they earn more. Ultimately, it’s like a dog chasing its tail.
By Andrea Caropreso
