The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco, has gone down in history as the most lucrative edition ever, generating more than $220 million in revenues. This figure more than doubles the earnings of the 2023 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, which surpassed $100 million, highlighting the rapid commercial growth of African football.
The exceptional performance confirms Morocco’s ability to host large-scale sporting events with strong global appeal, while reinforcing the Africa Cup of Nations as a premium international football property.
Sponsorship Expansion and Global Partnerships
One of the main drivers behind this success was the expansion of sponsorships under the supervision of the Confederation of African Football. The number of official sponsors rose to 23 partners, compared to just nine in the 2021 edition. AFCON 2025 also secured a landmark partnership with a major global video game company, allowing the tournament to be played on PlayStation and other gaming platforms.
In a historic first, the European Union became a sponsor of an African football competition, alongside companies from Japan, China, Germany, France, the United States, Russia, and Turkey. This unprecedented international mix reflects growing global confidence in African football’s commercial potential.
Broadcast Growth and New Revenue Streams
AFCON 2025 also achieved a major breakthrough in broadcasting. The number of TV channels carrying the tournament worldwide increased to 140, compared to 81 in 2023 and 60 in 2021. This expansion significantly boosted the value of media rights and global viewership.
Additionally, CAF launched its official merchandise store, both online and in physical locations, creating a sustainable new income stream and strengthening CAF’s brand as a global sports organization.
Related:
- AFCON 2025: In 24 Months, Morocco Achieved the Equivalent of Ten Years of Development
- AFCON 2025: A Wave of African and International Support and Praise for Morocco
- AFCON 2025: €1.5 Billion in Revenue and 80% of 2030 World Cup Infrastructure Completed, Says Ryad Mezzour
- AFCON 2025: Moez Nasri and the Tunisian Football Federation Thank Morocco
- AFCON 2025: How Morocco Elevated African Football to FIFA Standards

