The Chinese Super League (CSL) reported about 4 billion yuan in losses for the 2016 season, with a total revenue of 7.082 billion yuan and a total expenditure of 11.014 billion yuan, according to a report by PwC, the official financial advisor to Chinese Football Association.

With player trading revenue aside, the PwC found that the 2016 CSL revenue was mainly from commercial sponsorships (72%), event revenue (16%) and game day ticket sales (4%).

Compared to other leagues including J1 League, Bundesliga and Ligue 1, the consulting service provider concluded as follows:

• >>  CSL clubs have seen a year-over-year revenue growth.

• >>  CSL clubs have a relatively monotonous investors structure.

• >>  CSL clubs are in their early stage of commercial exploitation, with a trend of general loss.

• >>  CSL clubs still have great potential to increase their 5% expenditures in youth training, as the CFA has suggested that each club operates at a cost of at least 15% of their annual revenue.

Source: sn.people.com.cn

Proofread by William Logsdon