Chelsea fans were delighted to see silverware return to Stamford Bridge following their triumph in the Conference League, however the financial repercussions may not have been known to all supporters.
The Blues had to go back to 2021 for the last time they had won a trophy before the end of last season, with them yet to taste victory since Todd Boehly took over the club until that point.
However, a strong end to the campaign saw them crowned champions of the Conference League over Real Betis in the final, completing the set of European trophies available for them.
It was clear that early in the campaign the competition was not Enzo Maresca’s main priority. He would often rotate as many as nine or 10 players from the starting side who had featured days earlier in the Premier League.
Chelesea squad lift the trophy following Real Betis Balompie v Chelsea FC - UEFA Conference League Final 2025
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Chelsea lost money while winning the Conference League
The goal was achieving Champions League qualification, and financial expert Kieran Maguire has stated that the Blues actually lost money from their Conference League run, making reaching the top level of European football the main priority.
He said: “As far as European competition is concerned, it’s Champions League or nowhere. You lose money in the Conference League. Chelsea, it cost them money to get as far as they did last season, when their budget was higher than that of the other 31 teams in the competition.
“The Champions League – you’re talking an immediate £40m. If you get into the latter rounds you can add £100m onto that, and that’s purely because of the TV money.”
Chelsea earned around £18m for winning the Conference League, however the limited gate receipts they receIve from Stamford Bridge, in comparison to stadiums like Anfield or Old Trafford, means the TV money makes up a far higher percentage of their revenue than for other top clubs.
Champions League trophy at Stamford Bridge
Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea looking to solve Stamford Bridge issue
It has been one of the goals of the new owners since they took over the club to address the stadium issue, and generate more money from home games.
There has been talk of a new 60,000 seater stadium at Earl’s Court that would see Chelsea become the highest matchday income generators.
However, the more likely scenario is expanding Stamford Bridge, a scenario that would likely go down better with large portions of the Chelsea faithful due to their history with the stadium.
Those supporters will have seen how West Ham fans have struggled to connect with their side since moving to the London Stadium, and will want to avoid that scenario occurring with their side.