Sparta Prague, one of the most successful football clubs in the Czech Republic, has reported a loss of 407 million Czech koruna for the 2021/22 season. The main reason for the loss, according to the club, is the absence from the main phase of some UEFA competitions. In the previous season, Sparta only played two matches in the second qualifying round of the Conference League, where they were eliminated by Viking Stavanger. However, towards the end of the season, the team, under new coach Brian Priske, celebrated winning the league title after nine years.
Despite the loss, Sparta Prague managed to make a net profit of 298.3 million Czech koruna from player transfers, primarily thanks to lucrative deals involving Adam Hlozek’s move to Bayer Leverkusen and David Hancko’s transfer to Feyenoord Rotterdam. The club aims to work with players who have high ambitions and a desire to develop their potential. Unfortunately, neither Hlozek nor Hancko were able to celebrate the league title with Sparta Prague before their departures. The club’s strategy includes ensuring that players achieve success together with the team before potentially moving abroad.
In terms of financial figures, the club’s expenses related to player transfers and team operations for the 2022/23 season amounted to 395.6 million Czech koruna. The club’s commercial revenues reached 262.191 million Czech koruna, with advertising revenues totaling 124.842 million Czech koruna. Sparta Prague also experienced its highest attendance at home matches in nearly 40 years, generating a total of 68.6 million Czech koruna from ticket sales.
The costs associated with running the club, including organizing matches, training camps, and energy expenses, amounted to 290.2 million Czech koruna. The operating costs of the stadium alone were 45.8 million Czech koruna.
The loss of 407 million Czech koruna for the 2021/22 season marks only the third time Sparta Prague has ended a season with a negative financial result since the arrival of owner Daniel Kretinsky in 2004. The previous instances were in the 2004/05 season (31.8 million Czech koruna), 2016/17 season (22.6 million Czech koruna), and 2018/19 season (311.6 million Czech koruna).
Despite the financial challenges, Sparta Prague remains one of the most prominent football clubs in the Czech Republic, with a rich history and a strong fan base. The club will continue to strive for success both on and off the pitch, aiming to improve its financial situation and compete at the highest level in domestic and international competitions.
