Blackpool Hub
Blackpool Football Club's annual losses have deepened to £4.3 million.
What happened?
The club's total revenue fell 9.1% to £8.8 million, down from £9.7 million the previous year. Matchday income, prize money, and sponsorship all dropped following another season in League One.
Why it matters for Blackpool
The operating loss widened to £7.1 million, and the overall loss for the year was £4.3 million, up sharply from £2.8 million in 2024. The club's net liabilities now stand at £14.8 million, having grown from £10.5 million twelve months earlier.
What comes next?
Independent auditors Champion Accountants LLP flagged a 'material uncertainty' which 'may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern.' The warning centres on criminal proceedings commenced in May 2024 by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong against one of the directors of the group, on an offence of alleged insider trading.
The director in question is the club's owner Simon Sadler. Blackpool FC is ultimately controlled by Mr Sadler through Seaside Holdings Ltd, a company registered in the Cayman Islands. He recently pleaded not guilty to the charges and a court date has been set for May 4 2026 in Hong Kong.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| League standing | 19th in League One |
| Points | 51 pts |
| Record | 14W-9D-20L from 43 games |
| Recent form | WLWWD |
| Last result | Reading 0-1 Blackpool (2026-05-02) |
Despite the losses, the club generated £2.8 million from player sales during the year, without which the financial position would have been considerably worse. The wage bill also increased to £9.95 million, even as the number of employees fell from 141 to 127. Directors' remuneration rose from £140,937 to £190,400.
On the pitch, Blackpool finished ninth in EFL League One last season with 67 points, just three places outside the play-offs, their second consecutive campaign at the third tier of English football. They are currently sat in twentieth, just two points above the relegation zone.
There was some positive news contained in the accounts. In November 2025, the club won a court case relating to the occupation of the penthouse suite at its stadium hotel. Former occupants were ordered to vacate the property and pay an initial £202,498 in legal costs and possession fees.
The property was vacated in December, with the cash received in January 2026. Negotiations over a final settlement figure are ongoing.
