Chelsea have announced a pre-tax loss of £262.4 million for the year ending 30 June 2025, the largest ever recorded by an English football club. The figure surpasses the previous record set by Manchester City in the 2010-11 season. The club attributed the loss to higher operating costs compared to the previous year, when they posted a profit of £128.4 million, boosted by the sale of the women's team to a subsidiary company for almost £200 million.
On the same day, the Football Association published its annual report on agents' fees, revealing Chelsea spent £65.1 million between February 2025 and February 2026, the highest of any Premier League club. Aston Villa were second with £38.4 million, while total spending by top-flight clubs reached £460.3 million, up 13%. Sources close to Chelsea said the high figure was partly due to record player sales in the summer transfer window, as selling clubs also pay agents' fees.
Despite the record loss, Chelsea were deemed compliant with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) for the three-year period ending 2024-25. The rules allow maximum losses of £105 million over three years, but certain 'add backs'—such as spending on infrastructure, youth development, and women's football—meant Chelsea met the requirements. Sources expressed confidence that the club is now fully structured to comply with all regulatory requirements.
Chelsea reported revenue of £490.9 million, their second-highest on record, including income from last summer's Club World Cup. The club is forecasting revenue of more than £700 million for the 2025-26 season. The full financial report has not been published on the club's website but has been submitted to Companies House.
The club also announced that their women's team posted a loss of £17.1 million, despite generating £21.3 million in revenue. Separately, Chelsea are anticipating a financial sanction from the FA after admitting to breaches of rules regarding payments to agents under former owner Roman Abramovich. Any fines are expected to be covered by money held back by the current ownership group led by Todd Boehly.
