WorldTour Team Budgets: A Glimpse into the Financial Powerhouses of Procycling - TheCyclingSonar

The world of professional cycling is not only about riders conquering challenging terrains and sprinting to victory; it’s also a complex business where budgets play a pivotal role in determining a team’s success. While precise financial figures are often closely guarded, we can provide you with some estimated budgets of the top WorldTour teams in 2023. Let’s take a closer look at these financial powerhouses and their main sponsors. See the overview tables at the bottom of this article!

UAE Team Emirates (Budget: €50 million)

UAE Team Emirates, with a generous budget of €50 million, is one of the heavyweights in the WorldTour. Their main sponsor, the United Arab Emirates, consistently invests in cycling, with a focus on promoting the sport and tourism in the region. The team has been successful in recent years, boasting star riders like Tadej Pogačar.

Jumbo-Visma (Budget: €50 million)

UAE Team Emirates, with a €50 million budget, finds its financial counterpart in Jumbo-Visma. This dynamic team carries the backing of two prominent sponsors, Jumbo, a Dutch supermarket chain, and Visma, a Norwegian software company. Renowned for their prowess in Grand Tours and classics, Jumbo-Visma has been a force to be reckoned with in the world of cycling. However, the imminent departure of Jumbo in 2024 has thrown the team into the spotlight, sparking a whirlwind of speculation. Recent weeks have seen headlines dominated by potential scenarios, including talks of merging with Soudal – Quickstep, the prospect of Amazon entering the scene, and the latest buzz surrounding PON’s increased involvement within the team. The future for Jumbo-Visma promises to be a captivating chapter in the cycling world.

Ineos Grenadiers (Budget: €45 million)

Ineos Grenadiers, formerly Team Sky, has a budget of €45 million. The team’s main sponsor is Ineos, a British multinational chemicals company. Ineos has played a significant role in reshaping the team and supporting star riders like Egan Bernal.

Lidl – Trek (Budget: €35 million)

Lidl, a major German supermarket chain, co-sponsors the Lidl – Trek team with an estimated budget of €35 million. Trek Bicycle Corporation is a well-known American bicycle manufacturer. This partnership reflects the global nature of cycling sponsorship. *Note their budget increased just recently by Lidl stepping in just before the Tour de France.

BORA – hansgrohe (Budget: €28 million)

With a budget of €28 million, BORA – hansgrohe is a competitive force in the WorldTour. BORA, a German manufacturer of cooktops and extractor hoods, and hansgrohe, a sanitary fittings manufacturer, are the team’s main sponsors.

Soudal – Quick-Step (Budget: €26 million)

Belgian company Soudal, specializing in adhesives and sealants, sponsors the Soudal – Quick-Step team. Their budget stands at an estimated €26 million. The team is known for its successes in classic races and sprints.

Bahrain – Victorious (Budget: €25 million)

Bahrain – Victorious operates with a budget of €25 million. Bahrain, the team’s title sponsor, is dedicated to promoting the sport and the country as a cycling destination. The team boasts strong climbers and has made its presence felt in Grand Tours.

AG2R Citroën Team (Budget: €23 million)

AG2R Citroën Team, with an estimated budget of €23 million, is backed by AG2R La Mondiale, a French insurance and pension company, and Citroën, a prominent French automobile manufacturer.

Movistar Team (Budget: €23 million)

Movistar Team, with a budget also estimated at €23 million, is sponsored by Telefónica, a Spanish telecommunications giant. The team has been known for its strong performances in stage races.

Team DSM – Firmenich (Budget: €22 million)

Team DSM – Firmenich, with an estimated budget of €22 million. The team has a focus on developing young talents with a unique approach.

Groupama – FDJ (Budget: €21 million)

Groupama, a French insurance company, co-sponsors the Groupama – FDJ team. Their budget is estimated at €21 million. The team is known for nurturing French talent.

EF Education-Easypost (Budget: €20 million)

EF Education-Easypost operates with a budget of €20 million. EF Education First, an international education company, sponsors the team, reflecting the team’s global vision and commitment to education.

Astana Qazaqstan Team (Budget: €19 million)

Astana Qazaqstan Team, with a budget of €19 million, has consistently represented Kazakhstan in the WorldTour. The team focuses on developing Kazakh talents and is known for its aggressive racing style.

Alpecin-Deceuninck (Budget: €18 million)

Alpecin, a German hair care brand, and Deceuninck, a Belgian manufacturer of PVC windows and doors, co-sponsor the Alpecin-Deceuninck team with an estimated budget of €18 million.

Team Jayco AlUla (Budget: €18 million)

Team Jayco AlUla has an estimated budget of €18 million. Jayco, an Australian recreational vehicle manufacturer, is the primary sponsor, and AlUla, a region in Saudi Arabia, supports the team’s ambitions.

Cofidis (Budget: €17 million)

Cofidis, a French consumer credit company, sponsors the Cofidis team with an estimated budget of €17 million. The team has a strong focus on sprinters and classics.

Intermaché – Circus – Wanty (Budget: €15 million)

Intermarché, a French supermarket chain, Circus, a Belgian e-commerce platform, and Wanty, a Belgian steel construction company, co-sponsor the Intermarché – Circus – Wanty team with an estimated budget of €15 million.

Team Arkéa Samsic (Budget: €13 million)

Team Arkéa Samsic operates with an estimated budget of €13 million. Arkéa, a French banking and insurance company, and Samsic, a French facility management group, are the team’s main sponsors.

Please note that these budget figures are approximations and can vary from year to year based on sponsorships, partnerships, and other financial arrangements. Nonetheless, they provide insights into the financial power of WorldTour teams and their sponsors’ commitment to the sport.

Big shoutout to the r/peloton community, especially Adryy8 and Innor, for helping me come up with fairly accurate estimates for each team!