The yellows from the north are not only the pride of Norway – they have become a European money machine. Since the summer of 2024, Bodø/Glimt has earned over one billion kroner from European cup games. This Champions League season alone accounts for around 700 million kroner.
From underdogs to financial heavyweights
When Glimt reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last season, many thought it was the pinnacle of their adventure. But in this year's Champions League, the northerners have turned up both their level and their bank statements.
After a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Dortmund, they have a point, a lot of honor – and eight million kroner straight into their account.
At the same time, bonuses worth millions are coming in for participation, wins, draws and TV money. The total so far: around 700 million kroner – and two matches remain.
The numbers that say it all
If we look at European revenues since the summer of 2024, Bodø/Glimt is right up there among the heavyweights:
- Celtic: 714 million kroner
- Bodø/Glimt: 700 million kroner
- Ajax: 688 million kroner
- Galatasaray: NOK 605 million
- Lyon: 451 million kroner
- Rome: 433 million kroner
- Manchester United: NOK 429 million
The figures are taken from NRK and Football Meets Data and show that Glimt has actually earned more from European games than Manchester United, Roma and Lyon over the past two seasons. It is a bit unbelievable, but absolutely true: the club from Bodø has become an economic powerhouse on a European scale.
Building stone by stone – with millions in their pockets
General manager Frode Thomassen emphasizes that Glimt is not getting carried away by the gold rush.
– We have had large profits, but the money is used to build solid equity. We must secure the club's future, says Thomassen.
For a club that has to fly halfway across Europe for every away game, and that constantly has to adapt Aspmyra to UEFA's requirements, playing in Europe for five seasons in a row is not a cheap affair. Yet the accounts are in the red – by a good margin.
Promises all of Norwegian football
Glimt's achievements are not only lifting his own club, but the entire Eliteserien. Norway is now up to 11th place in UEFA's league rankings, which could give more Norwegian teams a place in European tournaments in the years to come.
Moreover, the success is trickling down to the rest of the league in the form of player purchases, solidarity funds and increased international attention.
– Glimt shows that it is possible to build success without selling your soul, says former RBK captain Erik Hoftun to NRK.
Business model that makes a big dent in your bank account
Bodø/Glimt have done the impossible – they have turned Northern Norwegian common sense and football joy into a business model that makes big teams bankroll.
They play offensively, travel far, and think long-term – and right now it's hard not to be impressed.
Because who would have thought that Europe's most efficient money machine was parked in a windy stadium in Bodø?
Sources: NRK, Football Meets Data
Text editing and analysis: 90minutefamily.no
