Chelsea suffered a £262 million deficit last season, confirming by far the worst yearly financial loss in Premier League history. The numbers are higher than the previous record, which was Manchester City’s £197 million loss in 2010–11 during a time when their Abu Dhabi-based ownership made significant investments.
After deducting the one-time sale of its own women’s squad for about £200 million to parent firm BlueCo, Chelsea’s losses under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake partnership total more than £420 million in three years.
With deficits of £156 million, £155 million, and £140 million in 2021, 2023, and 2005, respectively, the Blues currently hold the terrible distinction of achieving four of the six worst financial losses in Premier League history. Despite revenue rising to £491 million, Chelsea’s second-best income result ever, after winning many trophies the previous season, the record loss occurred.
Chelsea report biggest-ever loss in English football history
They defeated Real Betis of Spain to win the Conference League championship in May. Last summer, they won Fifa’s first 32-team Club World Cup in the United States, albeit the financial gains from that event are only partially shown in the 2024–2025 accounts.
After selling their women’s squad to their parent company BlueCo, Chelsea FC Holdings claimed a profit of 128.4 million pounds for the 2023–24 season, with an aggregate revenue of 468.5 million pounds.
The club said that their participation in the Club World Cup and higher Premier League television income were the reasons for the boost in revenue.
In July, Chelsea won the Club World Cup. The season ended in a loss due to increased costs, Chelsea said in a statement.
“Operating expenses have risen markedly, driven predominantly by increased matchday costs, due to a return to European football,” Chelsea added.
