Stefan Borson drops ‘absolutely incredible’ Brighton verdict after Tony Bloom debt revealed
Brighton have been praised for how their business behind the scenes has helped improve matters on the pitch in recent years.
Brighton recorded a club-record revenue in 2023-24 after their turnover reached £260.9million, which was boosted by their participation in the Europa League.
However, Brighton’s revenue dropped to £242.7m last season after posting their latest accounts last week.
The lack of European football last season saw the Seagulls’ broadcast revenue drop from £163.8m to £151.1m.
Meanwhile, matchday income remained static at £27.9m and commercial revenue increased from £20.7m to £22.8m as they look to cash in on opportunities at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton's financial situation analysed after official documents filed
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Brighton have made some “absolutely incredible” player sales in recent years to provide their financial situation with a boost.
However, the south-coast club went from recording a £75.1m pre-tax profit in 2023-24 to a pre-tax loss of £55.8m last season.
The Seagulls pointed to the dramatic change in their player-trading results, which fell from a £68.1m profit to a £25m loss, as a key reason behind their substantial deficit.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Brighton’s latest accounts, Borson said: “Well, they're well-run from player sales. I don't know whether you'd say they're well-run generally. I guess they are.
“It's a club that finds it difficult to make ends meet. Obviously, revenue from the stadium is not going to be enormous.
“They get very good broadcast revenue because they've done well in the league, and then they've supplemented it with player sales. Obviously, they've had some absolutely incredible player sales. I guess they are well-run in that respect.”
Why has Brighton's debt to Tony Bloom increased?
Tony Bloom has backed Brighton heavily since taking over in 2009, but the club’s gross financial debt to their owner increased from £300m to £407m in 2024-25.
“The flip side to the player sales is that debt to Tony Bloom,” said Borson.
“This is a club that needs money putting in the whole time and is loss-making. It's not criticism, but it is a fact.
“I don't think it's concerning that there's a £400m debt to the owner, he'll write it off if he ever has to, and that'll be fine.”
Fabian Hurzeler led the Seagulls to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season.
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