Financial Overview: A Year of Growth and New Investments
Zalgiris Kaunas, the Lithuanian basketball powerhouse, held its annual press conference, where club president Paulius Jankunas detailed the financial outcomes of the previous season and unveiled the budget for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club reported higher-than-expected revenue and announced ambitious plans for growth.
The club exceeded its financial projections for the previous season, collecting €15 million in revenue against a projected €13 million. This increase was primarily driven by a surge in ticket sales, which amounted to €6.9 million. However, expenses were also higher than anticipated, mainly due to increased administrative costs.
2024-25 Season Budget and Plans
For the upcoming 2024-25 season, Zalgiris projects a revenue of €16.4 million, with ticket sales expected to contribute €7.5 million. The club anticipates total expenses of €17.7 million, of which a significant portion—€11.7 million—will go towards player and staff salaries, marking a 22.6% increase in spending compared to last year. To cover the difference between revenue and expenses, the club will utilize the €1.5 million income surplus from the previous season.
Last season, Zalgiris saw an attendance of 362,000 fans across all games, with 16 EuroLeague games selling out. The club has also secured a new shirt sponsorship deal with Puma and announced upgrades to the Zalgirio Arena, including a new court, jumbotron, and lighting system.
Budget Growth Over Five Seasons
Here’s a breakdown of Zalgiris Kaunas’s budget and player/staff salary expenses over the last five seasons:
| Season | Total Budget | Player and Staff Salaries |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | €17.7 million | €11.7 million |
| 2023-24 | €15 million | €8.4 million |
| 2022-23 | €14.2 million | €7.3 million |
| 2021-22 | €10 million | €7.2 million |
| 2020-21 | €9.7 million | €7.2 million |
Zalgiris’s consistent increase in budget and investment in player and staff salaries reflects its growth as a club and its commitment to remaining competitive in the EuroLeague. With new sponsorships, arena upgrades, and an expected rise in revenue, the club aims to maintain its upward trajectory.
