Data reveals TV cameras prefer Barcelona to Real Madrid

LaLiga has announced television revenue figures for the 2023/24 season, which make interesting reading for fans of the Clásico rivals.

LaLiga has announced how one of the main revenue sources for its clubs - television money - was distributed last season, with results showing runners-up Barcelona overtook champions Real Madrid.

The Spanish league allocated €1.498 billion ($1.63 billion) between its First and Second Divisions. Madrid, who had been the leader in this ranking in previous seasons, earned $173.7 million but were leapfrogged by Barcelona, who made $176.9 million. That came despite the Catalans' struggles on the field during Xavi’s final season in charge.

Top-flight LaLiga teams saw an overall reduction in TV revenue compared to the 2022-23 season. While $1.5 billion was distributed that season, the total fell slightly to $1.47 billion in 2023/24.

Why Real Madrid suffered a drop in TV revenue

Real Madrid suffered a similar fate, with television revenue dropping from $175.5 million to $173.7 million over that period. Barcelona, on the other hand, saw their TV earnings increase from $174.8 million to $176.9 million.

Part of the reason for Real Madrid’s drop in revenue was their refusal to participate in a number pre-match, in-match, and post-match audiovisual requests, principally interviews.

Those are part of a new system which rewards clubs that help the league create improved television broadcasts which help bring the viewer closer to the action.