Why are FC Barcelona selling Barca studios? Huge debt and The Erling Haaland situation

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Why are FC Barcelona selling Barca studios? Huge debt and The Erling Haaland situation 1
23-10-2021 Instalaciones de Barça Studios, productora de contenido audiovisual del FC Barcelona. La Asamblea de Socios Compromisarios del FC Barcelona ha dado luz verde este sábado a la entrada de uno o más inversores en la productora del club 'Barça Studios', hasta un máximo del 49 por ciento de su capital social, con el objetivo de ir de la mano de una productora o empresa especializada en un sector en el que el club pretende crecer para lograr el máximo beneficio. DEPORTES FCB

Barcelona are in a huge debt and President Laporta has to make harsh decisions in order to clear the debt. And we at Alley Sport bring to you Why are FC Barcelona selling Barca studios?

Why are FC Barcelona selling Barca studios?- Barca in huge debt

Barcelona is trying to raise €100 million (US$116 million) from its Barca Studios production firm to help offset the club’s hefty debts. Barca president Joan Laporta plans to raise €50 million (US$58.1 million) by selling a minority part in Barca Studios, with the buyer investing another €50 million in the club’s production arm, according to the sports business site.

Why are F.C Barcelona selling Barca studios?: Image Credits-Getty
Why are F.C Barcelona selling Barca studios?: Image Credits-Getty

In January 2019, Barca announced the inauguration of their in-house production hub, which is now in charge of the creation, production, and distribution of all audiovisual material for the La Liga club. One of the concepts announced was a fictional teen drama series centred on the club’s La Masia academy. Since then, 2Playbook reported in December 2020 that Barca Studios had earned more than €30 million (US$34.8 million) in revenue and €17 million (US$19.7 million) in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA).

With the Catalan club’s debt presently standing at €1.35 billion (US$1.57 billion), Barca Studios has been listed as one of several divisions from which the club might raise revenue. Prior to Laporta, 2Playbook alleged that former president Josep Maria Bartomeu was planning to sell a 49 percent stake in Barca Studios to raise €100 million.

Why are F.C Barcelona selling Barca studios: Image Credits-Getty
Why are F.C Barcelona selling Barca studios?: Image Credits-Getty

Why are FC Barcelona selling Barca studios? The Erling Haaland situation

In order to fund a move for Erling Haaland, Barcelona may have to sell club assets other than players. But Barcelona isn’t out of the woods yet, and in order to compete financially for Haaland, the club may have to sell a stake in their own media production and commercialization section, Barça Studios.

According to reports, the Blaugrana might collect €100 million for a 49 percent ownership in Barça Studios, and La Liga officials will sanction the sale because it will help free up funds for transfers and wages.

Why are F.C Barcelona selling Barca studios: Image Credits-Getty
Why are F.C Barcelona selling Barca studios?: Image Credits-Getty

However, the sale of Barça Studios isn’t on track due to an issue regarding players’ image rights. These rights are usually owned by the players themselves and sold on to third parties, preventing certain players from appearing in Barcelona-related marketing individually.

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