John Henry and FSG's stance on expanding Anfield again amid £100m Liverpool reveal
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To Liverpool fans, Anfield’s value lies in its history and mythos. But the fact that Fenway Sports Group have turned it into a money-printing machine is certainly a bonus.
With a capacity of over 61,000 following the redevelopment of the Anfield Road and Main Stands in recent years, Liverpool generated £80m in the last published financial year, 2022-23.
However, that figure does not reflect a full season’s worth of revenue following the reopening of the Anfield Road Stand which, as well as adding around 7,000 seats, saw a lucrative emphasis on hospitality.
When Liverpool release their accounts for 2023-24 and 2024-25, they are expected to see the club rival Tottenham, Man United and Arsenal as the biggest matchday income generators in the Premier League.
Supporters justifiably are weary of hearing their clubs talked and written about as though they are business and little else, but FSG‘s self-funding ownership model means that that matchday income, as well as broadcast and commercial revenue, is fundamental Arne Slot and Richard Hughes‘ playing budget.
The Boston-based investment group bought Liverpool for £300m over a decade ago and have given the club several interest-free loans, but they are generally unwilling to underwrite financial losses.
In the Anfield redevelopment, however, they have future-proofed Liverpool and set them up financially for a generation. But could they go one step further?
Billy Hogan on increasing capacity at Anfield
Even with capacity now at more than 61,000, Liverpool sell out most matches and have a season ticket waiting list of around 30 years.
Given the local, domestic and international interest in the club, there can be little doubt that they could accommodate a far greater number if it was logistically possible.
But it would be another expensive construction project that would either demand significant liquidity from John Henry and FSG or saddle them with significant debt.
According to a recent report from FC Business magazine the Anfield Road redevelopment alone cost £100m, which is £20m higher than reported figures, and £40m higher initial estimates.
In the same piece, Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan revealed FSG stance on potential further expansion, saying: “Really at this point, there are no plans to continued expanding Anfield.
“We will look at, as we continue to, life-cycle improvements and always looking at how we can improve the fan and supporter experience, whether than be inside or outside the ground.
“But there are no major plans for further expansion at this point.”
How much do Liverpool earn per season from Anfield?
Even if Liverpool do not have any ambitions to notch up capacity at Anfield in the immediate future, there is not necessarily a ceiling on the commercial utility of the stadium.
Over the summer, pop superstar Taylor Swift played at Anfield in an event believed to have been worth £8m to Liverpool, as well as up to £40m for the local economy.
This is the type of commercial opportunity that Liverpool will continue to look to exploit.
And while a naming rights deal might be out of the question, a shiny, redeveloped Anfield will continue to be a magnate for sponsors looking to associate themselves with excellence.
