Championship wages hit record £903m as promotion race heats up

Clubs are spending more than ever to reach the Premier League, with wages eating 96% of revenue.

Wage bill

£903m in 2024-25

Revenue

£942m

Wages share

96% of revenue

Net debt

£1.4bn

What happened. The Championship's collective wage bill grew to a record £903m in 2024-25, according to Deloitte's Annual Review of Football Finance. Salaries consumed 96% of the division's £942m revenue.

Net debt reduced from £1.5bn to £1.4bn year-on-year.
Playoffs expanding to top eight increases spending temptation.
Premier League wage bill is £4.4bn, far higher than Championship.

With playoffs expanding, more owners may risk spending to chase Premier League promotion, increasing financial risks.

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