FC Schalke 04 Reports €152.6 Million in Revenue as Net Financial Debt Falls Below €100 Million.

Roger Hampel

Image: Dominik Kuhn / Unsplash

FC Schalke 04 has reduced its net financial debt below €100 million for the first time since 2017, reporting a consolidated net profit of €200,000 for the 2025/26 financial year despite additional costs associated with its return to the Bundesliga.

The German club recorded revenue of €152.6 million for the financial year ending June 30, 2026, compared with €157.9 million in the previous season. The decline reflected a return to more typical event activity at the VELTINS-Arena following an unusually strong year for major events.

Schalke posted a positive consolidated result for the third consecutive full financial year, while sponsorship and merchandising revenue increased significantly.

Net Financial Debt Falls to €97.9 Million

Schalke's net financial debt declined to €97.9 million, falling below the €100 million threshold for the first time in nine years.

The club also strengthened its liquidity position, with cash and cash equivalents increasing from €6.2 million to €24.4 million.

A central part of its refinancing strategy was the successful placement of a €90 million corporate bond covering 2025 to 2030. The transaction enabled Schalke to refinance two existing bonds and fully repay two state-guaranteed loans ahead of schedule.

The refinancing forms part of the club's efforts to improve its financial flexibility following several years of financial pressure.

"We have freed ourselves from significant financial constraints of the past," said Christina Rühl-Hamers, a member of Schalke's Executive Board.

She added that the improved liquidity position allows the club to manage fluctuations in business activity without immediate financial pressure while meeting the economic requirements of league licensing.

Sponsorship Revenue Rises 17% and Merchandising Grows 32%

Schalke recorded growth across two of its main commercial revenue streams during the 2025/26 financial year.

Sponsorship and commercial marketing revenue increased by approximately 17% to €41.5 million, compared with €35.5 million in the previous year.

Merchandising revenue rose by approximately 32% to €18.9 million, up from €14.3 million.

Combined, the two categories generated €60.4 million, compared with €49.8 million in 2024/25, representing an increase of approximately 21%.

The commercial growth helped offset lower overall revenue and additional expenditure linked to the club's promotion to Germany's top division.

Schalke Forecasts Higher Revenue and Profit for 2026/27

Following its return to the Bundesliga, Schalke expects a significant increase in revenue during the 2026/27 financial year.

The club forecasts a consolidated net profit in the mid-single-digit millions of euros, alongside a further moderate reduction in net financial debt.

The outlook reflects expectations of stronger revenue following promotion, although the club has also acknowledged the financial challenges ahead.

"The coming years remain challenging," Rühl-Hamers said, emphasising the need to balance financial stability with future investment.

Schalke's latest results mark another stage in its financial restructuring, with improved liquidity, lower net debt and growing commercial revenue providing a stronger financial position ahead of its first season back in the Bundesliga.