The Real Madrid basketball section has reported a loss of €17.5 million for the first half of the 2025-2026 season, a figure that triples the losses recorded during the same period last year. This financial strain arrives as the club faces a pivotal crossroads regarding its future in European basketball.
Escalating Costs and Investment
The increased deficit is primarily driven by a record-breaking investment in the sports roster. According to financial data, the club’s spending on player salaries surged by 49% year-over-year, reaching €25.3 million in the first six months of the season alone. This spending trajectory aligns with the club’s projected full-season outlook, which forecasts historical losses of approximately €38.4 million for the current fiscal year.
Financial Breakdown
- Revenue Performance: Total revenue for the first semester reached €12.9 million, a modest 3.9% year-over-year increase. While this covers roughly half of the current salary budget, the section remains heavily reliant on the broader club’s financial backing.
- Competition Revenue: The club saw a significant uptick in income from competitions, generating €1.2 million compared to €266,000 in the first half of 2024-2025. This growth is attributed to the new commercial cycle of the ACB and an 18% increase in distribution payments from the EuroLeague.
- Commercial and Broadcast: Sponsorship brought in €6.2 million (-1%), while TV revenue fell by 11.6% to €2.4 million, impacted by the transition of broadcasting rights in the ACB.
The Future of European Basketball
Beyond the balance sheet, the club is at a strategic impasse. The Real Madrid leadership has not yet finalized a decision on whether to renew its long-term license with the EuroLeague or defect to the proposed NBA-FIBA European league project.
While the legal deadline for EuroLeague license renewals passed on June 30 (with Real Madrid, Fenerbahçe, and ASVEL notably delaying their commitments), discussions regarding the NBA’s entry into the European market have remained ongoing. The club’s choice will likely define the financial and competitive framework of European basketball for the next decade.