In just one year, the Premier League can bolster the British economy by billions — even amid a global pandemic.

In 2019-20, the league made a $10.4 billion economic impact on the U.K., according to a report prepared by Ernst & Young for the league.

The impact was widespread. London only received 28% of the economic impact — the rest was felt outside the city.

• The Premier League supported 94,000 jobs, paying about $4 billion in salaries.
• Clubs paid $4.9 billion in taxes.
• $2.5 billion went to the supply chain.
• International fans traveling to Premier League games generated $602 million.

The league, which began in 1992, hasn’t always offered this much to the nation’s wealth. Its contribution has grown about 840% since the 1998-99 season.

COVID-19 Fallout

The 2019-20 season, of course, underwent a COVID-induced pause and lost billions due to a lack of live fans and postponed games. In all, the European soccer market dropped $29.7 billion, per Deloitte — a 13% dip. 

Some losses were mitigated with a $7.1 billion parachute fund organized by UEFA. The EFL also prepared a $341 million package. 

Perhaps the Ernst & Young report’s non-pandemic economic estimate could give a glimpse into the future. In a normal season, it said the Premier League could have contributed 15% more — or $11.9 billion.

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