The Swiss Football League has released the results of its study on theeconomic impact of the Super League and the Challenge League in the 2024/25 season. The survey, carried out by EBP Schweiz and theInstitute for Tourism and Mobility at the Hochschule Luzern, updates for the first time since 2013/14 the analysis on the effects generated by Swiss professional football. The study is based on the financial data provided by the clubs, an extensive spectator survey and a comprehensive assessment of the supply chain, providing an accurate and current picture of the movement's contribution to the country's economic and social life.
SUPER LEAGUE IN STRONG GROWTH
The research shows a significant development in the Swiss top division, which generated a total turnover of CHF 1.29 billion and a value creation of CHF 665 million in the 2024/25 season. Compared to the previous analysis (2013/14), this represents a growth of 63 per cent on the turnover front and 47 per cent in terms of added value. An increase sustained by multiple factors: from the expansion of the league to twelve clubs to the 45%increase in spectators, through the continued modernisation of stadiums, the expansion of media visibility and the growth of revenue from transfers and commercial projects. In addition, 4,385 full-time equivalent jobs were created during the 2024/25 season, while the number of tickets sold exceeded 3.2 million, confirming an increasingly broad and diverse participation.
ECONOMY AND TOURISM
The study also highlights the strong impact generated beyond the playing field. Before, during and after the matches, Super League spectators spend around CHF 82 million on catering, transport and commercial activities, helping to support numerous sectors of the national economy. At the same time, the championship produces 143,000 overnight stays, 73,000 of which in hotels: an indicator that confirms the ability of Swiss football to attract visitors and generate direct benefits for local tourism. On an institutional level, the effect is also significant: the Super League contributes 49 million francs to the total tax revenues of the Confederation, the cantons and the municipalities.
THE SPECIFIC WEIGHT OF FC LUGANO
Within the national framework, the analysis dedicated to FC Lugano finds space, which confirms the Club's role as a central economic actor for the Canton of Ticino. According to the specific report, FC Lugano generates a turnover of about 80 million francs, divided almost equally between the effects produced in the Canton (44 million) and those generated in the rest of Switzerland (35.5 million). This result is accompanied by a value creation of 37 million francs (of which 21 million in Ticino alone) and an employment impact quantified at 269 full-time equivalent jobs (of which 157 in Ticino): indicators that testify to the Club's ability to activate extensive economic spin-offs, not only through its sporting activities, but also through its network of suppliers, partners and related services.
SPECTATORS AND TOURISM: THE IMPACT ON THE TERRITORY
Although temporarily operating with a reduced capacity of the Cornaredo stadium, due to the works linked to the transition to the new AIL Arena, FC Lugano generates significant numbers also on the attendance and tourism front. The Club registers 92'300 tickets sold and a total expenditure by the spectators of 2.1 million francs, divided between catering, transport, retail and overnight stays. The latter represent one of the most relevant indicators: 17,900 nights spent in Ticino by fans who choose to extend their stay during matches. This is a sign of the growing attractiveness of the club and its value for the tourist fabric of the canton(it should be noted that the HCL team had to play no less than seven European matches in Thun).
In conclusion, therefore, the new analysis published by the Swiss Football League shows how Swiss football represents an expanding sector, capable of generating economic value, jobs, induced tourism and significant fiscal returns for the country.
Within this framework, FC Lugano confirms its importance not only on a sporting level, but also as an economic player of reference for Ticino. The data show an already relevant impact despite the infrastructural transition phase, outlining even wider perspectives with the arrival of the new AIL Arena.
👉 READ THE FULL SFL REPORT ON THE SUPER LEAGUE HERE
👉 READ HERE THE COMPLETE SFL REPORT ON FC LUGANO
👉 READ HERE THE COMPLETE SFL REPORT ON THE CHALLENGE LEAGUE