LaLiga, the organising body of the top two divisions of Spanish club football, has continued its recent financial growth after reporting that the revenue its clubs generated during the 2017-18 season was up 20.6 per cent on the previous campaign.

LaLiga’s annual financial report stated that revenues rose to €4.479bn ($5.01bn) for 2017-18, adding that this is the largest annual increase in recent years, noticeably coming at the midpoint of the current domestic media rights cycle.

LaLiga’s gross operating profit (EBITDA) rose by 20.7 per cent to €945m, with a net profit of €189m, an increase of 6.7 per cent. The body said in a statement: “LaLiga offers, in short, solid, positive and growing results at all levels, achieving the greatest records of its history.”

LaLiga said 2017-18 saw the emergence of two new growth engines for revenue – commercial and income from player transfers. LaLiga recorded a 34.1-per-cent rise in commercial revenue (€838m), with the organisation stating this demonstrates Spanish clubs are becoming increasingly attractive to sponsors.

The financial report recorded a 104.3-per-cent rise in income from player transfers, which rose to €1.018bn. LaLiga added that income from audiovisual rights is set to regain its prominence as of the 2019-20 season, as a result of the new rights cycle for the domestic market and signed international agreements.

LaLiga last year reported on its best season financially after generating record revenues of €3.662bn for the 2016-17 campaign.