Albion's £600m contribution to the local economy

Brighton & Hove Albion made a staggering contribution of more than £600m to the local economy during our record-breaking 2022/23 season.

The club presented their second Economic Impact Report at the Amex on Tuesday at a breakfast hosted by Talksport’s lead football commentator Sam Matterface and attended by more than 100 business leaders and councillors from the city and throughout Sussex. 

Last season Roberto De Zerbi led Albion to a record-breaking sixth place in the Premier League and into Europe for the first time in our 122-year history.

While the footballing significance of our progress is clear, an independent assessment has revealed the incredible economic impact of the team’s achievements on the city.

The £612m contribution – an astonishing 289% rise compared to the first report in 2017 - includes £327m of direct income, £26m spent by visitors, £20m spent on goods and services in the city by club employees and a further £239m of brand and media value to the local economy, which has increased the city’s profile around the world. Last season 54,000 visitors from overseas were among the 600,000 people who watched games at the American Express Stadium.

Chairman Tony Bloom said, “Back in 1997, when the board started planning our new stadium, our vision was that the Amex would deliver £23.5m to the local economy and create 750 jobs for local people.

“Now, 26 years later, the second Economic Impact Report shows the staggering contribution of over £600m to the local economy during the 2022/23 season.

“We are all very proud of what the club achieved last season under Roberto De Zerbi – however, beyond that, the report brings to everyone involved at the club the immense satisfaction that our success on the pitch is also reflected in the enormous contribution we have made to Brighton and Hove and the wider Sussex community.

“Just as importantly, we currently employ 907 full-time and part-time staff, while our main contractor Sodexo employs around 500 people. Then there are over 550 people employed in the wider local economy through employee and visitor spend on goods and services.

“Our success is attracting thousands of visitors to the city from around the world, and those numbers have increased as we play in the Europa League.

“I would like to emphasise, though, that none of this would have been possible without the brilliant staff behind the team, led by Paul Barber and his executive group, who run the club with extreme professionalism.

“I would also like to share our gratitude to American Express, who have been such an invaluable partner and ally since the stadium opened in 2011, and to all of our wonderfully supportive corporate and commercial partners.

“Finally, I would like to pay tribute to our amazing fanbase, many of whom have been with the club every step of the way on the incredible journey we have been on, and who – together with our growing legion of new fans – will hopefully continue to enjoy following the Albion for many years to come.”