Athletic post record €139.2m salary limit, sixth in LFP
According to El Correo, Athletic have been assigned the sixth-highest salary limit in the LFP after the summer window closed. The €139.2m cap is the highest in their records since 2013, when the league introduced financial controls to curb overspending.
The last summer reference, in September 2025, was €126m. It rose to €132m in February this year, and now reaches a new peak close to €140m.
Only Real Madrid (€832.7m), Barcelona (€582.7m), Atlético (€361.2m), Villarreal (€170.5m) and Betis (€142.8m) sit above. Real Sociedad follow on €137.1m, which also includes funds for their B team competing in Segunda. Only seven top-flight clubs surpass €100m.
At the other end are Sevilla on €20.1m, the leanest in the top flight, Málaga on €33.6m and Alavés on €43.2m.
The limit is flexible and adjusts over time under LFP parameters. It can increase through player sales income, higher audiovisual revenue, more members or capital increases, among other factors, and can fall if debts arise, revenues dip or costs grow.
The cap covers player and coaching wages, B teams and academy costs, social security, amortisation and bonuses. It is calculated by subtracting non-squad expenses from total income. The next review is expected in February or March.
“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”
