Yahoo News Newcastle United start transfer window with £150m boost and new commercial deal
Newcastle United may have missed out on Europe last season after a cruel final twist in the FA Cup final cost them a place in the Europa Conference League.
Victory for Manchester United over Manchester City meant that the Red Devils grabbed a Europa League spot and the Europa Conference League slot went to Chelsea rather than the Magpies. But all was not lost by finishing seventh and given that Newcastle rose from the 10th position they'd slumped to in March, the late season rally meant they picked up an extra £10million to top up their seasonal total in prize money beyond £150m for earning a top seven spot.
Considering the injury woe suffered by Eddie Howe's side any type of slot in continental competition would have been deemed a major bonus for the Magpies. But seventh place without a Euro place was still valuable to the club as they look to close the revenue gap on the likes of Man City, Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool.
READ MORE: Toon star's round of goodbyes increases talk he will quit St James' Park this summer
Putting aside the £65m in sponsorship deals for Adidas and Sela that Newcastle will pick up in the next set of financial figures, the Magpies will also be bolstered by a £150m award for finishing seventh in the Premier League. This will come in the shape of the TV and merit payments dished out to each top-flight club.
Newcastle's revenue is still way behind the Premier League's top earners Man City who pocketed £700m last year. But the Magpies have increased their own revenue from £180m in 2023 to over £250m in 2024.
And thanks to the improved sponsorship deals and Premier League prize money, plus the cash injection from the Champions League last term, the next set of accounts should post another improved figure.
Newcastle set to benefit from shiny new multi-year deal with Premier League
The Magpies got the news this week that they will be given another financial boost along with their Premier League rivals after a multi-year deal with gaming giants Football Manager was announced.
The hit game will now feature fully licensed logos and player pen pics meaning Newcastle fans will be able to enjoy the full experience on FM. Will Brass, the Premier League’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Football Manager has been a big part of the sporting landscape for decades, and is loved and enjoyed by millions of fans around the world. We are thrilled that the Premier League will now feature even more prominently in the game, helping to deliver a deeper, more authentic experience for anybody who takes on the challenge of managing a Premier League club.”
Further information on the Premier League’s in-game integration with Football Manager, as well as partnership activities between the studio and the league, will be revealed later in the year.
Toon chiefs announce new membership scheme - but vital ballot news awaited
Newcastle have tried to tackle the club's ballot system ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. As things stand it is no longer possible to land a coveted season ticket at St James' Park.
Instead, fans who want to attend games must enter the club's ballot scheme with new member prices just out. The club vowed to improve this system after some supporters complained they were not enjoying any success when landing tickets.
United said this week: "The Mags memberships will continue to offer the only access to single match tickets at St. James’ Park, via ballot and ticket re-sale. Further information on the balloting system for supporters in the UK, and internationally, will be communicated ahead of the season.
"The all-new The Mags+ membership (£47) will include, amongst other benefits, live streaming of two selected pre-season games, multiple retail discounts and first access to retail drops, alongside access to money-can't-buy experiences with players and club legends.
"Pricing of The Mags (£37) and the Junior Mags (£20) memberships have been frozen and any supporter who purchases a membership before 12 noon (BST) on Friday 5th July will be entered into a draw to win a signed Newcastle United home shirt.
"Season ticket holders will automatically be enrolled as The Mags members, gaining all benefits except for entry into home ticket ballots and resale.
"For an additional £10, adult season ticket holders can upgrade to The Mags+ and receive the additional benefits which are listed below. Membership upgrades can be made online via book.newcastleunited.com/Memberships"
