Leeds United are likely to receive a £30 million windfall, thanks in part to a contentious new decision made by the club’s executives.
Despite Archie Gray’s move to Tottenham and their inability to gain promotion at the first attempt last season, Leeds fans have plenty of reasons to be positive for 2024-25.
The club is in a better position for Financial Fair Play than was previously thought, and the addition of Red Bull as minority investors will boost their expectations for next season.
In terms of finances, West Yorkshire remain the envy of every other Championship club.
Leeds’ new front-of-shirt agreement with Red Bull is expected to be worth more than £8 million per season, a record for a club outside the top division.
And the club’s decision to repurchase Elland Road from former owner Andrea Radrizzani has allowed it to proceed with plans to restore the ancient stadium.
Now, a disputed new move is expected to increase the amount of money Leeds can expect to gain from their devoted fans in 2024-25.
Leeds fans take exception to the new ticketing policy.
Leeds earned £29.9 million in matchday revenue in 2022-23 and are anticipated to earn a similar amount in the next season.
However, in its latest attempt to collect more money from fans, the club has abolished the ‘Super Away Attendees’ category from future ticket sales.
To retain their away credits, Super Away Attendees (fans who attended more than 80% of away matches previous season) have been requested to pay £850 for an away season ticket.
Although this option ensures that these supporters receive an away ticket for each match, it is more expensive than purchasing an individual ticket for each match based on last season’s costs.
This will increase matchday revenue for the club as part of their overall aim to exceed £30 million in this category, but it will do so at the expense of aggravating their core supporters.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Paraag Marathe has disclosed that funds have been put aside for Elland Road renovations, which they hope will improve both the figure and the matchday experience.
“We have earmarked a certain amount of investment to make some improvements at Elland Road, things that I know supporters have been asking for,” said Leeds chairman and 49ers president.
TBR Analysis: How Much Can Leeds Spend This Summer?
Leeds has more wiggle flexibility in the transfer market this summer thanks to the £40 million fee they got for Archie Gray.
Furthermore, the departures of Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams occurred in the fiscal year 2023-24, which will reduce Leeds’ scary headline figure of £70 million in transfer instalments over the next 12 months.
They will be strengthened further by upgrades to the EFL’s TV contract, which will be worth more than £9 million to Leeds in 2024-25.
