Broadcasting Revenue and Equity in the Ethiopian Premier League: Trends, Performance Incentives, and Regional Comparisons

Abstract

Broadcasting revenue has become an essential element in the financial stability and competitive structure of football leagues worldwide. However, in many African leagues, including Ethiopia, systematic evidence on how such revenue is generated, distributed, and utilized remains limited. This study aimed to examine trends in broadcasting revenue and the fairness of its distribution in the Ethiopian Premier League (EPL) from the 2020/21 to 2024/25 seasons, and to situate Ethiopia’s experience within the broader East African context. A total of 27 documents including official league reports, audited financial statements, broadcasting agreements, and verified media publications were reviewed to generate the dataset for analysis. Data were sourced only from publicly available institutional records. Descriptive statistical techniques, including trend analysis, percentage distribution, and comparative ratio analysis, were applied to evaluate changes in annual revenue, equity of the allocation formula, and differences between Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. The findings show that EPL broadcasting revenue increased from USD 4.0 million in 2020/21 to USD 5.0 million in 2024/25. The league’s allocation framework 50% equal share, 25% merit-based distribution, and 10% facility-related payments has contributed to more predictable and equitable financial flows, while still rewarding on-field performance and broadcast-related infrastructure improvements. Per-club allocations ranged from USD 132,800 to USD 156,250, and top-performing clubs earned up to USD 700,000. Compared with the Kenyan and Ugandan leagues, Ethiopia provides higher per-club funding and stronger merit incentives. Overall, the study demonstrates that a clear revenue-sharing structure and stable broadcasting partnerships can enhance financial sustainability and competitive balance in emerging football markets, offering practical lessons for similar leagues in the region.