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

Sunderland posted an operating loss of £1.1 million for their 2024/25 promotion campaign, a £7 million improvement on the previous accounts. They returned to the Premier League via a Wembley play-off final, without parachute payments and with leaner costs.

According to Sunderland Echo, an accounting quirk saw about £45,000,000 profit on player sales booked from the exits of Jack Clarke, Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson. Much of the summer recruitment fell outside this window, with a net £47,346,348 payable since 31 July, the day after Granit Xhaka’s arrival. Promotion bonuses pushed staff costs above £50,000,000.

Turnover rose by £2.1 million to £40.3 million, driven by higher gate receipts and sponsorship, plus a £2,000,000 uplift from the new EFL TV deal with Sky Sports. The period also included close to £10,000,000 of investment in club facilities.

The club also carries significant debt. Sunderland owe £19,820,000 to parent company Mercator, the vehicle through which Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori own the club, and £25,216,788 to Akira BV, a company with strong links to the Louis-Dreyfus family that accrues interest.

Chief financial officer Mike Papadimitriou said revenue performance reflects core strengths, including the Stadium of Light, a loyal supporter base and strong links with the city. He added that these foundations position the club to benefit from the exposure and commercial opportunities that accompany Premier League football. The club also noted that top-flight costs will rise, and so will revenue.

Source: Sunderland Echo