Why OM’s finances now hinge on Champions League money amid Ligue 1 TV crunch | OneFootball

Olympique Marseille’s finances remain deep in the red, making European income in 2026-27, ideally from the Champions League, essential.

Marseille sit sixth, in the Conference League play-off spot. New president Stéphane Richard has promised steadier governance and a leaner approach. According to L'Équipe, Champions League income is now central to the club’s planning.

Two days before his 10 April remarks, the DNCG published 2024-25 accounts showing a near €105m loss. That season brought soaring operating costs, missed transfer targets, Champions League qualification bonuses booked, and a record wage bill.

The wage bill has not fallen in 2025-26, yet the result is expected to improve with the Champions League campaign. January sales of Darryl Bakola and Robinio Vaz helped, and further departures before 30 June cannot be ruled out. Matchday takings are far higher in the Champions League, a Conference League tie against Ferencvaros would barely cover costs.

A direct Champions League return in 2025-26 is the hierarchy’s main aim. UEFA distributions would be around €50m, plus four home gates at the Vélodrome.

Europa League would be a lesser outcome but still meaningful. Including ticketing, Lyon are thought to have neared €50m for this season’s last 16 run, while in 2017-18 OM’s Europa League income was estimated at close to €30m after a 0-3 final loss to Atlético de Madrid in Lyon.

In Ligue 1, the top three go straight into the league phase, fourth enters qualifying, fifth to the Europa League, sixth to the Conference League play-offs. If the Coupe de France winner also qualifies via the league, seventh would gain a European place.

European participation would also unlock a share of Ligue 1’s international TV rights, nearly €135m to split next season, indexed to French clubs’ results. OM have opened the door to wider redistribution among all 18 clubs, a topic set for further debate after Lille blocked a formal vote that requires unanimity.

Source: L'Équipe