One of the biggest issues discussed on blogs, podcasts, social networks, etc., is the current financial problems in La Liga and the probability that the title race could be a race between two clubs — the two richest clubs. We have discussed the TV rights issue ad naseum and how it should be a more shared and distributed model, similar to that of the Premiership, on the Forza Futbol podcast. We've discussed salary caps, parachute payments and separating La Liga from Segunda. That said, I want to use this opportunity to address another area, that of stadium ownership.
One of the areas of disparity that holds La Liga back is stadium ownership. The majority of La Liga clubs do NOT own their stadium. Only the rich or well-established clubs do. The rest of the clubs rent their stadium from the municipality or town council. Let's take a deeper look at each club's situation.
Barcelona and Real Madrid own their own stadiums. They reside in their respective capitals and generate a large amount of revenue with their large facilities. Sevilla and Villarreal also own their stadiums. Sevilla President Jose Maria Del Nido and Villareal President Fernando Roig are two of the shrewdest business men in the Spanish league. Del Nido is trying to build a competitive top-four club in La Liga with Sevilla. He wants to solidify Sevilla's place in the Champions League and knows that Europe is where the money is. Roig is trying to do the same with Villarreal. It is such an incredible story — a town with a population of 45,000 has a stadium that holds 45,000. With their focus on youth (Villarreal B is in the second division this season) and purchasing South American players at low costs, Roig has built a competitive team at Villarreal.
Both Atletico de Madrid and Athletic Bilbao own their own stadium. In order to replace their old stadum with a new one, they have made a pact with the local council to "buy" their old stadium. Atléti will take over the Madrid Stadium, a.k.a. La Peineta, from the city after the renovations are completed. It will be a 73,000 seater. San Mames Barria begins construction this year. It will be a 53,000-seat stadium.
Espanyol finally has a home of their own at Cornellá-El Prat. Osasuna owns the Reyna de Navarra stadium. Betis owns the Manuel de Lopera. However, it has never been fully completed as promised, due to financial issues. Valencia owns two stadiums, the old Mestalla and the half built Nou Mestalla. This is why Los Che is in debt to the tune of €600 million. But Sporting Gijon, Racing Santander, Almeria, Getafe, Deportivo La Coruña, Malaga, Mallorca, Zaragoza and newly relegated Valladolid, Tenerife and Xerez, all do not own their own stadiums. Is there any wonder why the Premiership is better off financially?
Elisa Uranga is the La Liga and Spain correspondent for Global Football Today. You can hear Elisa spread her love for La Liga, La Furia Roja and the beautiful game on the Forza Futbol podcast at www.forzafutbol.com and itunes. You can follow her on twitter: elisaU or find her on facebook @ www.facebook.com\medelliae where she loves to debate and discuss football 24-7.
