The FC Barcelona presidential elections are set for March 15, featuring a two-horse race between incumbent Joan Laporta and challenger Víctor Font. With the club’s financial landscape evolving, both candidates have presented distinct strategies regarding debt, revenue, and the future of the Espai Barça project.
Current Financial State
The club ended the 2024-2025 season with revenues of 994 million euros, leading all major European league champions according to the Football Benchmark’s European Champions Report 2026. Merchandising remains a key driver, with record figures reaching 277 million euros, outpacing Real Madrid by 46 million euros.
The Laporta Vision
Ferran Olivé, representing Laporta’s ticket, emphasizes stability. He notes that the club’s debt has fallen from 650 million euros five years ago to 450 million today. Regarding the Espai Barça project, Olivé denies reports of significant budget deviations, maintaining that the 1.5 billion euro debt is being managed through a securitization fund. He stresses the club’s commitment to its current ownership model, ruling out outside capital investors.
The Font Proposal
Jaume Guardiola, representing Víctor Font’s candidacy, describes the current financial situation as “complicated.” He points to 230 million euros in accumulated losses during the current mandate and argues that past “levers”—such as selling future income streams—were necessary but costly. Font’s team advocates for a structured plan to reduce debt incrementally without stifling the club’s sporting capabilities. Their strategy focuses on connecting revenue streams, increasing VIP offerings, and optimizing audiovisual and sponsorship agreements.
Key Economic Outlook
Both candidates aim to capitalize on the renovated Spotify Camp Nou and the recently renewed agreement with Nike to boost future earnings. While Laporta’s camp highlights the recovery of the “patient,” Font’s team insists on a more conservative financial planning approach to ensure long-term solvency.