New independent research from EY has underlined the Premier League’s growing contribution to the British economy - reflecting record levels of growth, jobs and community investment across the country.
EY’s assessment of the 2023/24 season shows the Premier League and its clubs generated £9.8billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy - a 21 per cent rise since the 2021/22 season and more than 14 times higher than in 1998/99.
The study also found the League supported over 100,000 full-time equivalent jobs and contributed £4.4bn in tax, including £2.1bn from players and staff - revenue that helped fund public services across the UK.
The EY study was published in the Premier League’s 2024/25 Annual Report, which outlines the wide-ranging impact of another compelling season and is available to read here.
Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: "Premier League clubs are proudly rooted in their communities. As the League continues to grow, it helps them further invest in their staff, facilities and local programmes that support millions of people.
"The League generates significant economic value for the United Kingdom and promotes a positive image of the country globally. But just as importantly, our funding supports every level of the game, from professional and non-league clubs to the Academy system and grassroots football."
Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary, said: "The Premier League is one of this country’s great success stories; a global economic powerhouse, a brand recognised by billions of fans the world over and a true part of our national identity.
"Every week, people all over England not only support their team, but benefit directly from the Premier League’s investment in their communities, from the income driven to local businesses on matchdays to funding for grassroots facilities."
Peter Arnold, EY UK Chief Economist, said: "The Premier League continues to be a success story for the UK economy, generating billions in GVA and tax, with positive contributions extending to regions across the country and throughout the football pyramid. The League’s popularity at home and abroad creates jobs and attracts inward investment to the UK, while also serving as a significant source of soft power on the world stage."
Local impact of sustained success
The League’s success continues to drive a positive economic contribution to towns and cities nationwide.
In 2023/24, more than 60 per cent (£5.9bn) of the total economic contribution was generated by clubs based outside London, while over 30 per cent (31,705) of supported jobs were located in the north-west of England.
Across the country, clubs are central to their local areas – supporting businesses, improving facilities, and investing in education, skills and wellbeing programmes.
Recently, the Premier League and West Midlands Combined Authority signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work in partnership to improve the sporting, health, personal, educational and employment opportunities for local young people. This will build on the work of club charities who engage 20,000 participants in the West Midlands each season through Premier League programmes thanks to £8.5million in funding over the past three years.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: "In an ever-changing world, our football clubs have been a constant part of our local culture for the last 150 years. There are few things that bring people together like sharing the highs and lows of our chosen team. The beautiful game manages to perfectly combine a unique reach and influence into our local communities with making a huge contribution to our regional economy.
"Whether top-flight or grassroots, our football clubs work hard to give back to the communities they sit at the heart of, and I’m looking forward to working with the Premier League to connect thousands more people to work experience, training and jobs that will change their lives for the better."
Investing in football and communities
The Premier League’s growth enables unprecedented levels of reinvestment in the wider game and society. Between 2022 and 2025, the League invested £1.6bn into football and community causes across England and Wales – from the grassroots to the professional level.
Longstanding contributions support clubs across the EFL and National League System, women’s and girls’ football, and a wide range of community programmes that use the power of football to change lives.
Projects such as Premier League Inspires and Premier League Kicks help thousands of young people each year to build confidence, gain qualifications and find work.
Research by Sheffield Hallam University found that 100 per cent of schools involved in Premier League Inspires believe it has a positive impact on pupils’ aspirations and opportunities.
The League also supports the Department for Work and Pensions’ Youth Guarantee, helping young people into training and employment through employability projects delivered locally by clubs and supported by the Premier League and the PFA Players’ Fund.
A global platform for Britain
As one of the UK’s most successful cultural exports, the Premier League continues to project Britain positively around the world.
A PACT survey of over 20 UK TV distributors (excluding the Premier League) showed that the League generated £1.7bn in broadcast exports in 2023/24, almost matching the rest of the UK television sector combined (£1.8bn).