Benfica's SAD recorded profits of 19 million euros last season, a 44% reduction compared to the previous year, due to the absence of the Club World Cup and an inferior performance in the Champions League. Debt exceeded 500 million euros, but vice-president Nuno Catarino highlighted that it was the first time assets surpassed 650 million euros, and that the net position improved. Equity stands at 135 million euros, or 180 million if Benfica Estádio is included.
Failing to qualify for the Champions League represents a loss of approximately 30 million euros in revenue, which Benfica intends to offset without resorting to player sales. Nuno Catarino explained that they will need to find around 20 million euros in non-sporting areas, relying on their ability to absorb this shock through their own capital. Excluding player transactions, the club recorded an operating loss of 15 million euros.
Benfica launched a petition to halt the centralisation of television rights, admitting it may go to court. Nuno Catarino warned that "there are elements that could constitute things such as expropriation," referring to investments made in Benfica TV and the risk of subscribers being left with a diminished product. The club cites the Italian league and the Dutch league as negative examples, which went into decline after centralising their rights.
Benfica reaffirmed its identity as a mass-membership club, with nearly 50,000 Red Passes and the goal of maintaining affordable prices. Nuno Catarino stated that "Benfica is a product of the people and we want it to stay that way," explaining that approximately 70% to 80% of Red Passes had no price increases, and that capacity was expanded mainly with cheaper seats. The new contract with NOS, which begins this year, is expected to translate into an improvement in television revenue.
