Oxford United Football Club Limited Reports Financial Results for the Year Ending 30 June 2025

Ox

Oxford United are pleased to present a summary of financial results for the year ending 30 June 2025.

The year under review reflects a momentous one for the Club as we competed in the second tier of English Football for the first time in 25 years following promotion in 2023/24. Playing in the EFL Sky Bet Championship brought with it significantly higher revenue streams and also increased costs across the business, with the ownership group continuing its financial support of the Club’s on and off‑field progression.

Tim Williams, Oxford United’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The growth of the Club’s revenues this year reflects both the strength of our business and the impact of our first year in the Championship. With that growth comes increased responsibility to ensure that every decision we make supports our long‑term plans.

“Investment in the Men’s Team, Academy, commercial activities and operations has been essential to competing at this level, whilst we’ve continued to make significant progress with developing our Women’s programme. 

“We remain focused on building a Club capable of thriving in the years ahead - one that is competitive on the pitch, sustainable off it, and that positively impacts our community.”

One of the key pillars of the shareholders’ vision to deliver long-term growth and improved sustainability is the construction of the new stadium. Over the last three years, investment into this project alone now totals more than £10m.

Chairman Grant Ferguson stated: “This year has been one of remarkable progress for Oxford United, both on the pitch and across the wider business. Competing in the Championship brought new opportunities and challenges alike, and while the financial demands increased significantly, so too did the scale of our ambition.

“Our ownership group has continued to provide unwavering support, enabling us to invest in the playing squad, strengthen our operations, and take major strides forward with the new stadium project. 

“We are grateful to our supporters, partners, staff and the wider Oxfordshire community for their continued belief in what we are building. The journey is ongoing, and together we are creating a future of which this Club can be genuinely proud.”

Turnover

Revenue for the year increased by £10.6m, rising from £8.4m in 2023/24 to £19.0m in 2024/25. The majority of this increase was driven by substantially higher central distributions from the EFL and the Premier League which rose from £2.5m in the previous year to £11.5m in 2024/25. Gate receipts also grew year‑on‑year by more than £1.1m, reflecting increased demand and attendances at Championship level. Commercial income, including sponsorship and advertising, continued its upward trajectory, rising to £3.3m.

Costs

Costs increased during the year, in line with expectations for a club competing in a higher division. Cost of sales rose from £10.3m to £19.2m, and administrative expenses increased from £9.5m to £13.3m, driven primarily by higher player‑related costs and the increased operational footprint required in the Championship.

Amortisation costs, the writing down of transfer fees across the life of player contracts, also rose significantly, reflecting the increased investment in the playing squad necessary to remain competitive at Championship level.

New Stadium

In addition, the Club continued to progress its landmark stadium project, although related expenditure reduced year on year to £2.6m as the scheme moved into more advanced stages. The owners’ total direct investment in the new stadium project is now in excess of £10m, demonstrating sustained commitment to the Club’s long‑term stability and ambitions. 

Summary

The Club recorded a net loss for the financial year of £17.5m, compared with £15.9m in the previous year. Excluding new stadium development costs, the loss increased from £10.7m to £14.9m, reflecting the higher cost base associated with playing in the Championship.

The Club remains dependent on shareholder support, with the owners continuing to invest both on and off the pitch to ensure Oxford United progresses towards its strategic goals.

Based on the numbers within these financial statements, we are within the parameters set under the EFL’s Profit & Sustainability rules for Championship clubs.

Oxford United's financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2025 will be filed at Companies House in the coming days. A summary of the Club’s financial statements is outlined below.

Financial Highlights

 2024/25 £’0002023/24 £’000
Turnover19,0008,439
Cost of sales(19,159)(10,289)
Gross loss(160)(1,850)
Administrative expenses(13,280)(9,545)
Other operating income868811
 (12,571)(10,584)
Profit on player disposals84622
Amortisation of player contracts(2,361)(593)
Payments due in respect of player contracts-(26)
New stadium development costs(2,612)(5,141)
Operating loss(17,461)(15,722)
Net interest payable(19)(128)
Net loss for the year(17,480)(15,851)
Cash reserves at end of year243471
Amount owed to Group Undertakings58,04140,383