Runner-up in the budget rankings of the French Championship in recent seasons, AS Monaco secured pole position at the start of the 2022-2023 season. According to figures released on Wednesday by the National Basketball League (LNB), the rock club has an estimated budget of 20.7 million euros, the highest in the history of French basketball. A 47% increase over last year (14.1 million)! Monaco, France’s vice-champion in June, stole the record from its executioner: Esvel, second with 15.7 million euros.
Behind the two Euroleague clubs, the gap is huge. After a turbulent off-season surrounding an ultimately aborted merger with Nanterre, Boulogne-Levallois retains third place (7.3 million), ahead of Strasbourg (6.9) and Limoges (6.5). Fueled by the two Rhônes and Monegasque Lokomotiv, the average budget of elite clubs also broke a record with 6.8 million euros, as did Pro B with 2.6 million.
10.8 million euros dedicated to wages in Monaco
Free from the restrictions associated with COVID-19, LNB can also be satisfied with the progress or stagnation of all budgets. Only Pau-Orthez experienced a spectacular decline. Having narrowly escaped relegation this summer after a change of ownership, Alain Bernays saw its estimated budget drop to 5.4 million euros, 32% less than what was announced (but not held) by American group CSG, which took over the club. handed over control.
AS Monaco is also on top of another economic data unveiled by the LNB on Wednesday: the wage bill. On The Rock, this rises to 60% after expansion with XXL recruiting (Okobo, Mormon, Loyd) and executives such as Mike James. With 10.8 million euros spent on wages, the principality club also broke a French basketball record, far ahead of Aswell (4.2 million) and Boulogne-Levallois (2.4).