From the fourth edition of the Financial Ranking Eredivisie (FRE) 2024presented by the Sports & Economics Research Center (SERC) of the Arnhem and Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences (HAN), shows that AZ is doing well in the Eredivisie.
Robust equity
AZ’s financial position is striking, with shareholders’ equity increasing from €33 million to €57 million. This not only illustrates an excellent financial policy, but also positions AZ as an example in a competition where other clubs, such as Feyenoord and PSV, have seen their assets decline. This strong financial basis offers AZ the flexibility to invest in both youth training and the first selection, which is essential for long-term continuity.
Remarkable increase in sales
In addition to healthy equity, AZ has also experienced significant growth in turnover, with an impressive increase of 40%. This is a direct result of on-field performance, leading to greater appeal to sponsors and an increase in merchandising sales. This increase is all the more impressive given, for example, the modest turnover growth of 4% at Ajax, which remains the largest club in the Netherlands.
Personnel costs and financial stability
The personnel cost ratio, an indicator of the ratio between personnel costs and total income, stabilized at 64% in the Eredivisie. For AZ, this means a manageable cost structure, which makes it possible to invest without undermining its financial health. At a time when many clubs are struggling to find the balance between costs and income, AZ appears to be an example of good financial management.
TV on social media
In terms of viewing figures on ESPN, AZ ranks fourth in the Eredivisie and attracted an average of 217,000 viewers for matches. That is considerably less than the traditional top three, but for example a lot more than FC Twente (165,000) and FC Utrecht (144,000). AZ can therefore rightly say that it also belongs in the top four in the Netherlands in this area.
On social media, AZ has 823,000 followers and has experienced sharp growth with an increase of no less than 58% compared to a year earlier. This probably also explains why the club tends to do many things in English these days. Irritating for Dutch followers, but apparently an excellent international strategy (the latter is an addition from us, of course).
Financial Ranking Eredivisie: AZ is in good shape
The Eredivisie Financial Ranking 2024 emphasizes the importance of financial health and shows that AZ is on the right track to ensure a sustainable future in the Eredivisie. With one of the largest increases in equity and turnover, combined with controlled costs, AZ is in a strong financial position. However, the challenge remains to translate this financial stability into success on the field and a larger fan base.
Curious about the entire report? Download it here.
