Aberdeen posts operating loss of £6.2m despite record turnover

Chairman Dave Cormack said Aberdeen’s financial performance “falls short of the standards we set ourselves” after their latest accounts showed an operating loss of £6.2m.

The Dons reported a record turnover of £24.4m for the year up to June 30, 2026, which the club attributed to participation in the Conference League last season alongside “strong performances across commercial, retail, ticketing and hospitality operations”.

But the Pittodrie club posted an EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) loss of £4m and an operating loss of £6.2m, compared with a loss of £1.5m in the previous financial year.

The Dons finished ninth in the William Hill Premiership last term after sacking manager Jimmy Thelin in January and put their financial losses down to increased investment in football operations, a “disappointing” season on the pitch, increased operating costs and lower gains from player sales.

“While we are pleased to report record turnover, the overall financial outcome falls short of the standards we set ourselves and reflects the significant challenges experienced during the 2025/26 season,” Cormack told the Dons website.

“The board made a conscious decision to invest heavily in the football department with the aim of driving success on the pitch. Unfortunately, the performances and results achieved did not deliver the return we expected from that investment, and that is reflected in these results.

“That said, the underlying strength of the club’s revenue streams continues to be encouraging. Achieving record turnover and record partnership revenue demonstrates the continued loyalty of our supporters, the commitment of our commercial partners, and the hard work of our staff across all areas of the business.”

The on-field situation has worsened since last season with Aberdeen having sacked manager Stephen Robinson earlier this week, with the team languishing 11th in the table.

Alluding to the search for the Northern Irishman’s successor at the end of Friday’s statement summarising the club’s accounts, the Dons said: “Recruitment is well under way to identify the right candidate to lead Aberdeen forward.”

The Aberdeen hierarchy have begun interviewing candidates, with former Burnley boss Nicky Hayen, ex-Scotland manager Steve Clarke and former Magdeburg and Hannover boss Christian Titz reportedly among those on a seven-man shortlist.