Super League, in collaboration with the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (FEIR) and STOCHASIS Management Consultancy SA drafted a study which:
1) Presents the financial information regarding the evolution of professional football in Greece.
2) Analyses business models and best practices of international clubs.
3) Assesses the overall contribution of Super League in Greek economy.
4) Furthermore, proposals are formulated on securing the sustainability and development of professional football in Greece over the coming years.
Based on the results of the study by FEIR and STOCHASIS and despite the effects of the financial crisis, the overall contribution of Super League in Greek economy remains significant.
This study also presents an analysis of the structural characteristics of Greek and other European championships and points out differences and deviations, which, if dealt with, will improve the quality and competitiveness of the Greek championship.
The study also takes into account the overall impact of professional football (Super League) in Greek economy. The assessment of the impact takes into consideration the ripple effect on the economy arising from the end demand for the football spectacle of the Super League ("core") and for associated products and services, such as games of chance, TV broadcasts, sports media, advertising, catering and clothing ("ecosystem").
According to the assessments of the study, the "core" activities of the Super League (ticketing and participation in European competitions), result in over 180 million Euro in terms of GDP, whereas the activities of the Clubs in the "ecosystem" have a significantly higher impact on the GDP (2.1 bn Euro). In terms of employment, this impact is estimated to exceed 40,000 jobs. Moreover, the activities associated with the Super League contribute, directly and indirectly, approximately a total of 550 million Euro of revenue to the government, from taxes and employer contributions.
The analysis of the structure of revenues of the Super League Clubs highlights the fact that the distribution of revenues of the biggest Clubs, which have additional revenues due to their participation in the European competitions, is significantly closer to European standards. However, a typical Club depends mainly on the revenue arising from TV rights, as the contribution of revenues from commercial activities is limited.
Despite the fact that over 50% of ticketing revenues is allotted to third parties, ticket sales (approximately 20% of total revenues) is a quite significant source of income for the Clubs.
The number of tickets, following the significant rise during the mid '00s, diminished during the 2012/13 season by 38% in comparison to the highest rate of the 2008/09 season, remaining nonetheless higher when compared to the beginning of the previous decade.
More than 50% of the tickets of the Super League during the 2012/13 season came from three clubs, something that in Europe only happens in the Portuguese championship.
The study showcases that the Member Clubs of the Super League have a high rate of employee fees and expenses to total revenues (93% in 2011), whereas the European average is 65% in 2011 and subsequently limited to 61% in 2012.
In this framework, the last years show a trend of Clubs to turn to Greek or locally trained footballers coming from the youth academies.
Despite the problems and shortcomings, the prospects of the Super League in our country are positive.
This will be enhanced by the following:
1) The drafting of integrated business plans which will set clear goals and strategies for all Clubs, by focusing first of all on the effective organisational structure and the relevant procedures.
2) The development of academies and sound financial administration aiming at rationalising the operations of the Clubs and their financial sustainability.
3) The next stage may witness a business plan that may foresee investments in new technologies (match data management systems, CRM, exploitation of mobile applications and social networks) and the development of an efficient commercial policy aiming at utilising professional football advantages (a popular sport with dedicated fans) and for the Clubs to utilise the opportunities arising in modern European football.