Manchester City released its annual report for the 2022–23 season on Wednesday, confirming a second successive year of record-breaking revenues and profits, along with wider growth across all areas of the club following a historic Treble winning season.
Man City recorded revenues of £712.8 million, a £99.8 million rise over the previous year, and profits of £80.4 million, over double the previous year’s record of £41.7 million.
The club’s three primary income streams—commercial, broadcast, and matchday—all increased significantly year on year, indicating the club’s recent commercial momentum and the ongoing delivery of a multi-decade strategy.
Notably, Manchester City was awarded the most valuable football club brand in the world during the 2022–23 season, topping the 2023 Brand Finance Football 50 report for the first time ever with a brand worth of €1.51 billion.
On the football front, the City’s men’s team made history by winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time, a third successive Premier League title—a fifth in six years—and a seventh FA Cup in a season that yielded a win percentage of more than 72% in all competitions and a slew of individual accolades for the men’s players.
Among the many positives for the women’s squad amid a season of transition on the field was a significant increase in average attendance for all games and a new high for season ticket sales, showing the women’s game’s sustained popularity.
At the youth team level, new records were achieved when the EDS and U18s won their respective league crowns for the third year in a row, with numerous titles also gained down to the U9s level.
Off the pitch, momentum from past seasons has continued to grow, resulting in a significant increase in the number of fans engaged with the club.
The club’s primary social media platforms saw a total of 6.9 billion video views, a 107% increase over the previous year; the number of Official Citizens Members nearly doubled; and membership in the Official Supporters Club increased by 33%.
Along with social media and membership growth, Man City had its best-ever year for TV viewing stats, with the club’s total audience exceeding 786 million across all competitions, 28% higher than the 2021–22 season.
Looking ahead, the 2022–23 season will also see the submission and acceptance of a planning proposal for the creation of a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at Etihad Stadium.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak commented on the various highlights listed in the report and the club’s achievements throughout the 2022–23 season.
He said, “In short, last season saw Manchester City achieve the greatest football and commercial year of its storied history. The season was the validation of a philosophy and sustained approach that have defined the club since His Highness Sheikh Mansour became its custodian in 2008.
“It’s an approach that has always respected and continuously built upon the club’s nearly 130-year history. It is founded on three key elements: putting in place all of the necessary ingredients to create football teams that excite, entertain, and win silverware; relentlessly strengthening the club’s sustainable commercial and financial positions; and maximising its ability to serve the growing communities of which it sits at the heart. We regard each of these elements as equally important and completely dependent on one another.
“Behind the first team trophies and financial headlines, and against these three areas of focus, there sit less obvious, but equally important, outcomes. For our ownership, board, and executive leadership, these outcomes and their associated metrics demonstrate that the club has never been stronger nor had greater potential to continue to evolve and succeed.”
He went on to say, “In the aftermath of the UEFA Champions League win in Turkey and the completion of ‘The Treble’, the question I was asked most often was, ‘How do you top that?’
“The answer is by doubling down on the proven philosophies and practices that have brought us this success and by challenging ourselves to continue to constantly innovate in order to achieve new levels of performance both on and off the field.
“We will not be afraid to set new goals and develop new strategies that deliver for our club, its communities, stakeholders, and especially the fans.
“Success today simply means further investment for tomorrow. Our financial health and on-field success mean everyone connected to Manchester City can look forward to the future with excitement. Our collective achievements give me huge confidence that together we can accomplish even more in the years to come.”
Chief Executive Officer, Ferran Soriano, added, “Winning the Treble, the Champions League (for the first time), the Premier League (the third title in a row), and the FA Cup Achieving record revenues and record profits.
“Winning the Ballon d’Or for best men’s club of the year and being named the most valuable football club brand in the world We can certainly say that the 2022–23 season was the best in the history of Manchester City.
“Dreams became reality thanks to the amazing players and coaches we have, led by Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain, but also thanks to a lot of people working very hard and for a long period of time.
“Consistent results have been obtained thanks to more than a decade of intense work by everyone at Manchester City.
“We always had the support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour and our shareholders. These, together with the leadership of our Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and the Board, the hard work of our staff, and the support of our incredible fans, have all contributed to our achievements.”
