The Benfica has released the financial data for the 2023/24 season, with a net loss of 21.1 million euros. The information was released in the Annual Report, which will be voted on at the General Assembly, scheduled for September 27. In this regard, the president, Rui Costa, sent a message to the club, from players to coach and managers but not only, also drawing up a balance of the past season.
The full message released
“Dear members,
Winning, always, is our vision, towards which we work with renewed commitment for Benfica, through sporting policies aimed at maximising the possibilities of winning titles and trophies.
At the same time, we try to strengthen the bond of our members with the club, knowing that Sport Lisboa e Benfica is only strong if its members are strong and participatory.
The goal is expressed in a simple sentence: to be a better Benfica and more prepared every day to win.
In terms of sport, the 2023/24 season has been marked by numerous successes, but also by some disappointments, which have required reflections and impactful measures, already underway, with the aim of ensuring an entirely winning trajectory.
On the men’s side, we celebrated national champion titles in athletics (track, indoor track, cross country and road), basketball, swimming and volleyball. On the women’s side, we celebrated national titles in handball, athletics (indoor track), basketball, football – with a historic season -, futsal, roller hockey, wrestling, mini-trampoline, swimming, water polo and rugby (XVs and sevens). In pavilion sports, 22 titles and trophies rival those of all our opponents put together. But we want even more!
Also noteworthy are record participation in European competitions, championship victories in a wide range of sports and training programmes and, last but not least, the largest Olympic contingent in our history.
On the membership side, we have seen growth in membership numbers and dues revenue, as well as a significant increase in merchandising revenue.
The negative result of the year is largely due to the performance of SAD, due to the application of the equity method. The relative initial stagnation of the football transfer market, due to the European Championship, prevented the sales from materializing in time. Otherwise, it would have been possible to record a positive figure.
As for the exercise without the influence of the controlled companies, a loss of 1.6 million euros was recorded, which must be corrected, but which is surmountable given the economic and financial situation of Sport Lisboa e Benfica and its turnover.
Persevering in promoting revenue growth and optimizing the cost structure, reducing them and maximizing the competitiveness of the teams, is the strategy that we support and that will strengthen our winning trajectory.
I would also like to highlight the decisive role of Casas do Benfica in the projection of Benfica and thank the extraordinary work of the Benfica Foundation, which makes us very proud and ennobled.
Finally, the 2023/24 season will be indelibly marked by the conclusion of the work relating to the revision of the statutes, which in the meantime, with the contribution of the members and the consensus reached, have led to the drafting of a single proposal to be submitted to the examination of the General Assembly.
For a stronger, more cohesive, united, modern and successful Benfica. Long live Benfica!”.