Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena has reduced its pre-tax losses in its latest accounts filed at Companies House, while banking £1.3bn in the process.
The latest accounts cover the year to June 30, 2025 and saw revenues reach £64.89m, compared with £13.955m the previous year, in a year that saw 95 performances over the reporting period (2024-27) with 1,138,703 people attending shows (2024 -355,600) including Bruce Springsteen, UK exclusives including the Eagles, and arena exclusives such as Pearl Jam and Burna Boy.
Within the first 18 months of opening the arena hosted multiple major global events broadcast to millions including UFC and MTV EMAs.
READ MORE: Benedict Wong lands honorary Salford degree
The pre-tax loss was reduced from £15.866m in 2024 to £9.747m in the latest tax year. Gross profit increased to £43m (2024 – £13.2m) while operating profit increased to £7.9m (2024 – loss £12.7m). EBITDA in the year ended June 30, 2025, increased to £21.7m from £11.489m.
Post-reporting period, a repayment of £5m in accrued interest relating to the internal joint venture funding was made to shareholders in February 2026, following approval at the January 2026 board meeting.
The group traded for about two months in 2024 after its somewhat belated May opening, so 2025 was the first full year of trading for the arena.
A number of new sponsorship contracts were negotiated and signed during the year ended June 30, 2025, with more in discussion to be signed within the next financial year, the group said.
The arena employs 90 full-time staff and 444 casual staff, with £1.3bn in turnover.
The directors’ notes in the accounts said: “The next financial year for the group will see a strong event pipeline. The directors anticipate continuing growth in EBITDA and revenue.
“While the directors plan continued capital investment and additional product offerings, they do not expect significant changes to the business model of the group.”
