Barcelona has weathered its fair share of tempestuous weather off the field. Billion-euro deficits, the weight of financial fair play rules, losing its star players, and not being able to sign names at the start of each season placed the club in a pattern of cost-cutting, shuffling, and crisis. Some news this week, however, gave a clear signal that the tempest might finally be passing.
DBRS Morningstar, one of the world's five top-rated credit agencies, has adjusted its outlook on the credit of Barça to positive. That is not all since, according to the agency, club revenues for the financial year of 2027 stand at about €1.1 billion.
DBRS's rating is not only a testament to the club's recent financial figures, but also its predicted growth in revenues linked to the move back to Camp Nou and better control of finances. It is a validation that the direction of the current management is, albeit slowly but surely, beginning to yield dividends.
The stadium at
The billion-euro forecast for 2027 is based on Barcelona at least finishing second in La Liga and reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League. These are ambitious goals, but not unachievable. If achieved, the revenue boost will coincide with the full opening of Camp Nou, which is planned for 2026 with the redevelopment of Espai Barça.
Debt under control, reports the agency
Barcelona took on €1.5 billion in 2023 to finance the refurbishment of stadiums. The move raised its fair share of eyebrows on the market, but DBRS now says that it is manageable debt. Payment plan and funding strategy are in sync with proceeds that are expected to be generated in the future. That is, if the club is both on the right path on the field and off, nothing worse is in store.
Apart from that, the club's revenue during season 2023/24 amounted to €761 million. In order to achieve the predicted figure of €1.1 billion within the timeframe of 2027, the club would have to increase at a pace of about 12% per year. That is possible, but it has to be done with steady performance, wise management, and timely commercial delivery.
A direct impact on the fans
To most of its supporters, such news is far from the pitch on which they love to watch their team play. It has a straight effect on the club's future. A Barcelona better off financially is more likely to hold on to its stars, sign the players it wants, and contend with Europe's top teams without having to count on coerced player sales and fiscal tricks. It's the foundation for a true return to contention.