Solidity of the model: more value, more Barça

The solidity of the FC Barcelona model is not only measured in economic or sporting terms, but also in the ability to preserve its institutional essence: a Club owned by its members, independent, rooted in the city, the country, and faithful to its founding values.

When the current Board of Directors began its mandate in 2021, an intense social debate was on the table: was it possible to compete at the highest level with the current ownership model? The economic-financial context was extremely complex and the pressure on the model was high. Faced with this situation, the answer was clear: it was necessary to demonstrate, with facts, that a Club owned by its members could be viable, competitive and, above all, ambitious.

Club value: a key indicator

One of the first strategic decisions of the mandate was to consider the value of the Club as a key indicator of the success of the strategic plan, as it reflects not only the current economic health, but also the future expectation of value creation, foundation of a free and autonomous model.

Since then, the Club's value has grown significantly, as a result of a combination of structural factors:

• Strengthening the Barça brand on a global level
• The bet for La Masia as the main source of sporting talent
• The recovery and growth of recurring income
• The rationalization of investments in signings
• The moderation of sports salaries and the control of operating expenses

This increase in value shows that the model works and that the management has generated confidence and projection for the future. In addition, a very significant increase is still expected in the next valuations, especially when the projected revenues derived from Espai Barça.

Espai Barça: commitment to the future

Espai Barça is much more than an infrastructure project. It is the cornerstone of the Club's future. The project was approved by the Assembly of Committed Partners on 5 April 2014, but it was stuck for years. From the first moment, the current mandate understood that putting it in motion was an electoral and institutional commitment that cannot be postponed.

At that time, the Spotify Camp Nou presented significant constructive deficiencies and growing security risks. The need to act was clear and urgent. The project has been defined, awarded and promoted with a pioneering financial structure which protects the Club's heritage and guarantees its autonomy.

The Club worked together with Goldman Sachs, one of the most recognized investment banks on a global scale, throughout the design and structuring process of the Espai Barça financing plan. In a more advanced phase and with the completion of the first phase of defining the plan, efforts were joined with JP Morgan as placement agents to facilitate access to the international market on the commercial side. The closure of this unique financing model has allowed to configure a smart and safe debt repayment model, based on the generation of future income, with renegotiation windows that offer flexibility and adaptability.

The goal is ambitious but realistic: build the best stadium in the world, fully integrated in the city of Barcelona and with capacity to generate between 130 and 150 million additional euros per year with respect to the historical box office record recorded in the 2022/23 season. All this, thanks to a model designed to be operational 365 days a year, with new commercial assets, experience spaces and a modern design that puts the fan at the center.

The model, stronger than ever

With this bet decided by its own model, FC Barcelona sends a clear message: it is possible to be competitive at the highest level without giving up being a Club for its members. The solidity of the model has not only withstood the most demanding moments, but has emerged strengthened and ready to continue growing.

With a consolidated institutional structure, a transformative project such as Espai Barça underway, and a strategy focused on the creation of value, FC Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to freedom, independence and global leadership.