Maccabi Haifa Suffers Major Financial Losses in 2025-26 Season
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Maccabi Haifa reported a net loss of approximately 52.6 million shekels for the 2025-26 season, an increase of 111% from the previous year, primarily due to a sharp drop in player transfer revenue. While player and coach salaries were reduced, operational costs rose, and European competition income declined. Despite significant owner support to maintain operations, the club's cash reserves decreased. Nevertheless, Maccabi Haifa affirmed its commitment to professional ambitions and investment in its youth academy.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Haifa's 2025-26 season loss reached 52.6 million shekels, an 111% increase from the prior year.
- Player transfer and loan revenue plummeted by 68%, contributing significantly to the increased deficit.
- Player and coach salaries were reduced by 14.8% to 66.82 million shekels.
- Revenue from European competitions and broadcast rights also saw notable decreases.
- Despite financial challenges, the club remains committed to competitive aspirations and youth development.
Maccabi Haifa concluded the 2025-26 football season with a net loss of approximately 52.6 million shekels, more than double the previous season's deficit. This represents an 111% increase in losses compared to the 2024-25 season, which ended with a loss of about 24.85 million shekels. The primary driver of this increased deficit was a sharp decline in revenue from player sales and loans, which fell by over 31.8 million shekels to just 14.75 million shekels, a 68% drop from the prior season. While player transactions yielded a capital gain of approximately 13 million shekels, this did not offset the overall revenue decrease. Total other income for Maccabi Haifa dropped from 82.17 million shekels to 48.65 million shekels. Revenue from European competitions also significantly decreased, from 3.6 million shekels to 1.14 million shekels, and broadcast rights revenue fell from 5.27 million shekels to 4 million shekels. Conversely, income from sponsorships and grants saw a rise, from 2.2 million shekels to 3.16 million shekels.
Despite the revenue downturn, the club managed to reduce some major expenses. Player and coach salaries were cut by 14.8%, from 78.43 million shekels to 66.82 million shekels. However, costs associated with game operations and depreciation increased, leading to total game and training expenses of approximately 121 million shekels, slightly down from 122.5 million shekels the previous season. Revenue from fans remained relatively stable, with season ticket sales increasing from 33.42 million shekels to 34.4 million shekels, and ticket sales generating 7.61 million shekels. Net revenue from matches, after deducting expenses, was about 40.14 million shekels, nearly unchanged from the prior season.
The club's cash flow statement highlights ongoing financial challenges. Operating activities consumed 36.1 million shekels during the season, down from 42.8 million shekels the year before. Financing activities, however, saw a significant increase in cash flow, from 6.61 million shekels to 29.8 million shekels, indicating substantial owner support to maintain operations. Despite this financial backing, the club's cash and cash equivalents decreased from 2.85 million shekels at the start of the year to 2.24 million shekels by its end.
Despite the substantial financial loss, Maccabi Haifa stated in its report that it remains committed to its professional aspirations. The club's policy includes building a competitive squad aiming for domestic titles and consistent qualification for European group stages. Furthermore, the club emphasized its continued investment in its youth academy and professional staff development to cultivate future senior team players.
