Football is one of the most popular sports in Birmingham, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans to the city’s stadiums each year. Beyond the sports drama and excitement, football is also an industry with a significant economic impact. In this article, we’ll examine the business side of football in Birmingham and explore the role that football plays in the local economy.
The Financial Importance of Football in Birmingham
There are two professional football clubs in Birmingham, Aston Villa and Birmingham City, which compete in the top four tiers of English football. These clubs generate millions of pounds each year through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals, as if always winning poker every turn.
Football in Birmingham also creates jobs and generates economic activity. Many people work at the two clubs, including players, coaches, and team staff. Additionally, hotels, restaurants, bars, and other local businesses benefit from the influx of visitors during match days.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Football in Birmingham
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on football in Birmingham. The suspension of football matches during the first wave of the pandemic resulted in losses for the football clubs and the many businesses that depend on football. The pandemic also changed the way football matches were played, as fixtures were played behind closed doors, without fans in the stands. This had an impact on businesses that relied on match-day revenue, such as pubs and vendors.
It’s important to note that although FIFA has classified COVID-19 and its subsequent effects on the football sector as a ‘force majeure’ event, the implications of this classification are confined to the steps taken by FIFA to modify or grant special exceptions from its regulatory framework (such as permitting federations to alter transfer windows). The concept of “force majeure” is only relevant to player contracts to the extent that it is acknowledged by and compatible with the applicable national laws. It does not automatically supersede the applicability of domestic law, even if it contradicts FIFA’s stance.
Birmingham Football Club Finances
The economic impact of football extends beyond than match-day and business activity. Birmingham City and Aston Villa bring a significant amount of money into the city through their operations. Income from broadcasting, which includes parachute payments, remains the primary source of revenue for Championship clubs, making up more than 54% of the total income. In 2018-19, commercial income (25%) and matchday earnings (21%), together, constituted just under half of the overall revenue.
Parachute payments were the most significant factor contributing to the total revenue of championship clubs, comprising 30%. Seven Championship clubs received parachute payments, varying from £16 million to £44 million and amounting to £237 million in total. This figure was lower than the previous year due to Sunderland’s consecutive relegations, resulting in their participation in League 1. Aston Villa, one of the three teams promoted to the Premier League, was the only one to receive parachute payments in 2018-19. This demonstrates that although parachute payments can be crucial in aiding on-field success, they do not guarantee it. Out of the other six clubs receiving payments, only one reached the playoffs.
The average revenue for a club that received parachute payments was £57 million, compared to £23 million for those that did not. For clubs without parachute payments, it is quite challenging to generate enough matchday and commercial income to significantly close the financial gap. Leeds United was the most successful Championship club in generating matchday (£18 million) and commercial (£21 million) income, which together accounted for approximately 80% of their total revenue. This allowed them to generate higher overall revenue than some clubs receiving parachute payments. Leeds United were the only club to achieve this feat, with Norwich City coming close.
Commercial income constituted a larger share of Championship clubs’ total revenue in 2018-19, at 25%, up from 23% in the previous year. This was driven by the three newly relegated clubs, which averaged £10 million in commercial income each.
The Role of Football in Community Development
Beyond the financial implications of football, the sport plays an important role in community development. Local clubs, such as Woodbourne Sports FC and Erdington Cosmos FC, are youth clubs that enable children and teenagers to participate in football. These clubs help to develop young football talent, offer them an outlet for their energy, and keep them away from crime. Aside from this, football also promotes youth development, community involvement, and diversity and inclusivity.
Youth Development: Football clubs can help develop young people by providing opportunities to learn new skills, form friendships, and develop a sense of teamwork. By playing on a team, children and teenagers can improve their physical fitness, mental well-being and social skills.
Community Involvement: Football clubs can bring together people from different backgrounds and provide spaces for them to connect, form friendships, and engage with their local community. These clubs can encourage volunteerism and boost community engagement.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity: Football can help promote diversity and inclusivity by bringing people of different ages, races, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds together in one place to engage in a shared interest. Football clubs can amplify these voices and stories while providing a platform for initiatives that work to make the game more accessible to diverse groups.
Last Thoughts
Football is a significant industry in Birmingham, with millions of pounds generated each year through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, sponsorship, and business activity. Furthermore, it provides economic opportunities for individuals and businesses, showcasing the sport as one of the biggest industries in the city. Beyond the financial implications, football offers fans and participants a sense of community and is a platform for cultural exchanges as well.