Sunderland post £1.1m operating loss in promotion season as accounts released | OneFootball

Sunderland won promotion in 2024/25 while posting an operating loss of £1.1m in newly released accounts, a £7m improvement on the previous year. Their rise came without parachute payments and with operating costs kept well below rivals.

Sales of Jack Clarke, Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson fell within the accounting period, lifting profit on player trading to about £45,000,000, while a significant summer recruitment drive landed after 31 July, the day after Granit Xhaka’s arrival. Since then, the net amount payable in transfer fees is £47,346,348.

Promotion bonuses pushed staff costs above £50,000,000. Turnover rose by £2.1m to £40.3m, driven by stronger gate receipts and sponsorship, plus a £2,000,000 uplift from the EFL’s new Sky Sports deal. The period also included nearly £10,000,000 invested in club facilities.

Debt to parent company Mercator remains £19,820,000, with a further £25,216,788 owed to Akira BV, which accrues interest.

The club said in a statement that the results reflect strong revenue performance built on the Stadium of Light, an engaged fanbase and close ties to the city, adding that Premier League football brings greater exposure and commercial opportunity. While costs in next season’s accounts will rise significantly, revenue is also expected to increase.

Source: Sunderland Echo