Athletic Bilbao striker Iñaki Williams called it a disgrace that the Spanish Super Cup was held in Saudi Arabia, but it is undeniably lucrative. The revenue from two semifinals and a final at the future World Cup host is estimated at forty million euros.
The decision to move the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia in 2020 marked a significant shift in how the competition is structured and monetized.
What was once a straightforward contest between the league champion and the cup winner has evolved into a lucrative four-team mini-tournament designed to maximize financial gain. The inclusion of not only the La Liga champion (this year, Real Madrid) and the Copa del Rey winner (Athletic Bilbao) but also the league runner-up (Barcelona) and the losing Copa del Rey finalist (Real Mallorca) broadens the appeal and commercial potential of the competition. The format guarantees additional matches, which translates into more broadcasting opportunities and greater revenues.
The financial structure of the tournament has drawn criticism and debate, particularly regarding the distribution of earnings. While the overall revenue generated by the event is estimated at around 40 million euros per edition, a substantial portion of this does not end up with the participating clubs. Instead, half of the money flows directly to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), which owns and manages the Super Cup. This decision has raised questions about the prioritization of federation profits over club rewards, particularly given the logistical demands placed on teams traveling to the Middle East.
The remaining funds are distributed among the participating clubs based on a set of criteria that includes historical success, television viewership, and overall commercial appeal. This system inherently favors the top clubs, such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, which boast long histories of success, large global fanbases, and strong commercial brands. As a result, the bigger clubs can pocket as much as six million euros for their participation, while smaller clubs like Athletic Bilbao or Real Mallorca must settle for considerably less, typically between one and two million euros. Although these smaller clubs can slightly boost their earnings through strong performances in the tournament, the financial disparity remains significant.
The financial allure of the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia extends beyond direct payouts to clubs. The decision to hold the competition in the Gulf nation aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader strategy of using sports to bolster its global image and diversify its economy. For the RFEF, the partnership with Saudi Arabia has proven to be an immensely profitable arrangement, even if it has drawn criticism from players, fans, and human rights organizations. Athletic Bilbao striker Iñaki Williams, for example, labeled the decision to host the event in Saudi Arabia as a disgrace, reflecting concerns over the ethical implications of such agreements.
The controversy has not detracted from the competition's appeal, as evidenced by the high-profile final between Barcelona and Real Madrid. This year, Barcelona demonstrated their dominance with an impressive 5-2 victory over their archrivals, solidifying their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs. The final not only delivered thrilling football but also reinforced the commercial value of the Super Cup as a product that can attract millions of viewers worldwide.
The inclusion of four teams and the move to a foreign venue have undeniably transformed the Super Cup into a more lucrative and globally relevant event. However, it has also highlighted the growing tensions in modern football between financial interests and the sport’s traditional values. While the RFEF and top clubs benefit from the increased revenue, critics argue that the competition’s new format undermines its original spirit and disproportionately favors the wealthiest teams.
Looking ahead, the success of the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia may encourage other leagues and federations to explore similar opportunities abroad. For now, the Spanish Super Cup remains a prime example of how football’s increasing commercialization is reshaping the game, sparking debates about its impact on clubs, players, and fans alike.
