On Air Now:
Now Playing:Loading...
site loader
January 23, 2025 Real Madrid Hits Billion-Euro Revenue Mark, Tops Football Money League

Real Madrid Hits Billion-Euro Revenue Mark, Tops Football Money League

Real Madrid has become the first football club to surpass a billion euros in revenue in a single season, largely due to the income generated by the revamped Santiago Bernabeu stadium, according to financial analysts at Deloitte.

In Deloitte’s annual Football Money League, Real Madrid leads with €1.05 billion ($1.09 billion) in revenue, followed by Premier League champions Manchester City (€838 million) and Paris Saint-Germain (€806 million). The €208 million gap between first and second place is the largest ever recorded by Deloitte.

The extensive renovation of the Bernabeu doubled matchday revenue to €248 million during the 2023/24 season. Since 2018, Madrid has taken out over €1 billion in loans to transform the stadium into a significant revenue-generating asset. The modernized venue now features an undulating metal roof, expanded VIP areas, shops, and a retractable pitch.

High-profile events, including a Taylor Swift concert and the NFL’s upcoming first game in Spain, have added to the Bernabeu's appeal. However, the club has faced complaints from local residents about noise pollution, leading to a temporary suspension of concerts at the venue.

“Club stadia are increasingly being valued as more than just matchday assets, with many clubs turning their grounds into multi-purpose entertainment hubs that attract new visitors, sponsors, and retail opportunities,” said Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group. He noted that football clubs are evolving beyond their traditional sporting roles to integrate media and entertainment into their commercial strategies.

While matchday revenue rose by 11%, commercial revenue remained the largest income source for the top 20 clubs, accounting for 44% of their total revenue. Broadcast revenue remained steady at €4.3 billion, as the "Big Five" leagues (England, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany) stayed within the same domestic broadcast cycles as the previous season.

English clubs continued to dominate the Money League, driven by the Premier League's lucrative television deals. Six of the top 10 clubs and nine of the top 20 are from England.

Manchester United climbed to fourth place (€771 million), buoyed by their return to the Champions League, ahead of Bayern Munich (€765 million). Barcelona dropped to sixth as renovation work at the Camp Nou forced them to relocate to the smaller Montjuic Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Olympics.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea completed the top 10, despite the latter three missing out on Champions League football last season.

January 23, 2025 Salo Accuses Naira Marley of Allegedly Shooting Him in Lekki

Salo Accuses Naira Marley of Allegedly Shooting Him in Lekki

Popular Nigerian TikToker and social media personality, Oloba Salo, has accused singer Naira Marley of being responsible for a shooting incident that left him injured in Lekki.

The allegation comes three months after Salo was shot multiple times in the Lekki area of Lagos State and subsequently hospitalized in October 2024 due to injuries to his legs.

Breaking his silence in a viral TikTok video, Salo claimed Naira Marley and his associates were behind the attack. He alleged, “I just chose to be quiet all this while. It was Naira Marley and his boys that shot me in Lekki. I have the evidence. They shot three bullets at me. He can come and shoot me again. To people saying I just want to trend, is it Marley, using past glory, that I will use to trend?”

As of the time of this report, Naira Marley has not responded to the allegations.

January 23, 2025 Air Sierra Leone Reintroduces Direct Flights to Nigeria After 15 Years

Air Sierra Leone Reintroduces Direct Flights to Nigeria After 15 Years

Air Sierra Leone has resumed its scheduled flights between Lagos and Freetown after more than 15 years of inactivity. The airline has reentered the Nigerian market in partnership with Nigerian carrier XEJet, which provides both technical support and three operational aircraft to facilitate its return.

During the inaugural flight ceremony on Wednesday at Lagos airport, Air Sierra Leone’s General Manager, Edgard Lacle, expressed excitement about the airline’s return to Nigeria. Lacle shared that the airline has been granted permission to operate three weekly flights—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—with plans to increase the frequency as passenger demand grows. For the first flight, the airline carried 36 passengers into Nigeria.

Lacle highlighted the strong trade and tourism connections between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, noting that the partnership with XEJet allows them to provide aircraft suited for the market’s needs. "The moment we see the market changes, we will adjust," he said.

XEJet’s Chief Executive Officer, Iza Emmanuel, also spoke at the event, calling the occasion the "rebirth" of Air Sierra Leone in Nigeria. He emphasized the airline's role as a symbol of hope, progress, and resilience for Sierra Leone. "After over 15 years, the Sierra Leonean flag again takes to the skies," Emmanuel said. "Your presence here today is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between our nations, reflecting our shared vision of growth, connectivity, and opportunity."

January 23, 2025 Eagles Striker Victor Boniface Dismisses Breakup Rumors Over Prenup

Eagles Striker Victor Boniface Dismisses Breakup Rumors Over Prenup

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has debunked rumors suggesting he ended his four-year relationship with his Norwegian girlfriend, Rikke Hermine, due to her alleged demand for a legal marriage without a prenuptial agreement.

The rumors, which circulated on social media, claimed Boniface was prioritizing his financial security and seeking to avoid potential risks in the future. A post by African Hub even alleged, “Boniface is now focused on safeguarding his financial future and avoiding potential pitfalls.”

In response, the Bayer Leverkusen forward took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday to address the claims, categorically denying them and calling out those spreading falsehoods.

Stop posting fake stuff you know nothing about,” Boniface wrote, blending Pidgin English into his statement. “You just carry phone, no know Wetin Dey sup, just post. No be everybody be like una sister. So respect yourself. Everything you guys say about her is all lies.”

With his post, Boniface firmly dismissed the speculation, defending both his relationship and his girlfriend from unfounded rumors.

Watch Live

x
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com
X