Bulgarian First League clubs spent €59 million on player salaries in 2025, according to a financial report by UEFA. The data reveals that 70 percent of the total revenue generated by the teams goes towards monthly player wages, an 8 percent increase compared to 2023.
Total revenue for the clubs reached €85 million, marking a 7 percent growth over the previous two years. UEFA contributions, including participation in European tournaments and solidarity payments, accounted for 15 percent of this revenue, totaling €15 million. Income from television rights amounted to €3 million, a 9 percent increase from 2023, while ticket sales generated €4 million, a 16 percent decrease compared to the previous reporting period.
The Bulgarian First League currently ranks 29th in terms of revenue among UEFA-affiliated leagues, with its €85 million total. It holds the 28th position in revenue generated from television rights (€3 million) and UEFA contributions (€13 million). The report also indicates that clubs have accumulated €28 million in bank loans, a 22 percent increase since 2023.
Ludogorets and CSKA are widely considered to have the largest budgets in the league. However, Levski is showing financial progress, having significantly reduced its debts and increased its wage ceiling. The club has recently invested approximately €300,000 each in acquiring Armstrong Oko-Flex and Stipe Vulić, and a slightly larger sum for Juan Pereira from Lokomotiv Plovdiv. Despite this investment, Levski still lags behind Ludogorets and CSKA in overall financial strength.
Ludogorets spent €2.8 million on midfielder Filip Kaloch during the summer transfer window, despite his limited playing time. CSKA, meanwhile, is heavily investing in infrastructure, currently constructing a novel stadium and training facilities for its youth academy.
