Women's Euro: UEFA Warning - Profits Lag Behind Expenses
UEFA Regards Women's Tournament as Notable Absence in Competitive Schedule
In the lead up to the Women's Euro kick-off in Switzerland, UEFA is ringing alarm bells. Although revenues are climbing, they're not keeping pace with expenses, particularly the hefty prize money parcels. As a result, UEFA expects a hefty financial loss for the Women's Euro tournament.
UEFA's women's football honcho, Nadine Keßler, shared this disheartening forecast at a Nyon press conference. Despite the revenue rise, UEFA expects to shell out close to €32 million.
This spending spree is mostly due to the lavish prize money distribution. At the tournament starting July 6th, UEFA will splash out a record €41 million among the 16 national teams - a vast leap from €16 million in 2022, €8 million in 2017, and €2.2 million in 2013.
Why the generosity, Keßler? "Because it's the right thing to do."
"The Sport-Tag" reported on June 27th - "Women's Euro smashes ticket record before the opening match." Keßler explained that they're making ground because they recognize the importance of prize money for public perception and growth. "We're moving in the right direction, and we should be proud,” the 37-year-old said. “We're investing more, even if we're not pocketing profits with the Euro, because it's the right thing to do."
Each team, including Germany, will pocket a €1.8 million starting fee. Winning all group matches and the subsequent knockout stages, including the final, nets a team €5.1 million.
Clubs also get a slice
Clubs relinquishing players for the Euro will also see increased rewards. Keßler revealed that this reward has almost doubled from the €4.5 million distributed at the 2022 Euro. "We aim to honor everyone contributing to the Euro's success – players, clubs, national associations," said the former German international.
Financial comparisons with men's tournaments, where €331 million will be allocated for the Euro 2024 in Germany, were also addressed by Keßler. While men's prize money has only increased by 10% between 2016 and 2024, it has surged by 100% for women between 2017 and 2022, and over 156% between 2022 and 2025.
The gap in revenue between men's and women's Euro remains substantial. UEFA earns between €1 billion and €3 billion from a men's Euro, while the women's tournament operates as a subsidy enterprise. "The symbolic significance" of backing women's football is noteworthy, said the ex-Wolfsburg star.
Source: ntv.de, dpa
Women's Euro 2025, UEFA, Women's Football
[1] The Guardian - Women's Super League boosts broadcast revenue to £10 million
[2] UEFA - Women's Euro 2025 prize money breakdown
In response to the concerns about UEFA's financial loss for the Women's Euro tournament, Nadine Keßler emphasized that they are investing more in women's football because it's the right thing to do, understanding its importance for public perception and growth.
Additionally, in an effort to honor everyone contributing to the Euro's success, relinquishing clubs will receive increased rewards, with the distribution amount nearly doubling compared to the 2022 Euro.
