We are thrilled to announce that the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will be hosted in our very own Switzerland, specifically in the iconic St. Jakobshalle in Basel. The event will take place on the 13th, 15th, and 17th of May, with the grand final set to captivate audiences worldwide on May 17th. This prestigious event is coming to Switzerland thanks to our very own talent, Nemo, who triumphed at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with his hit song "Echoes of Tomorrow," securing victory for Switzerland.
Switzerland's Glorious Eurovision History
Switzerland has a storied history with the Eurovision Song Contest. Before Nemo’s recent win, Switzerland had won the contest twice. The first victory came at the very first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956, when Lys Assia won with the song "Refrain." The second win was in 1988, when the legendary Céline Dion took the title with "Ne partez pas sans moi." Nemo’s victory in 2024, with a staggering 512 points, marks Switzerland’s third win in Eurovision history.
Hosting Eurovision in St. Jakobshalle, Basel
St. Jakobshalle is set to be the center of global attention as it hosts the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The venue, which has a seating capacity of up to 9,000 people for concerts, is expected to accommodate a similar number of Eurovision fans.
Ticket prices for the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel are expected to range from CHF 150 to CHF 400, depending on the seating category and the stage of the competition.
The Financial Side of Eurovision: A Swiss Perspective
As a company operating in the finance field, we are always intrigued by the financial aspects of major events like the Eurovision Song Contest.
After conducting thorough research, we can confirm that the Eurovision Song Contest is not subsidized by EU funds or subsidies.
The contest is organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), an independent association of public service media organizations.
The EBU is responsible for the financial management and organization of Eurovision, ensuring that the event runs smoothly and remains financially viable.
We are pleased to provide insights into how this non-profit event is financed and what the financial landscape looked like for the 2024 contest.
Participation Fees
The Eurovision Song Contest is primarily funded by the participation fees paid by the 37 participating broadcasters. In 2024, these fees collectively amounted to approximately €6.2 million. These fees vary by country, with larger broadcasters paying more under a system designed to balance the financial load.
Sponsorships
In 2024, major sponsors like Coca-Cola and Visa contributed significantly to the event’s budget. The total sponsorship revenue was around €5 million, providing critical support for the production and promotion of the contest.
Ticket Sales
Ticket sales for the 2024 contest in Malmö generated approximately €10 million. With tickets priced from €50 to €300, the high demand for live Eurovision experiences ensures that ticket sales are a substantial part of the event’s revenue.
Merchandising and Rights Sales
Merchandise and rights sales, including broadcasting rights sold to non-participating countries, brought in an additional €7 million in 2024. Eurovision's global appeal continues to drive strong sales in these areas.
Televoting Revenue
Revenue from televoting, where viewers across Europe cast their votes via SMS, also contributes to the financial picture. This revenue is shared between mobile operators and the EBU, with a significant portion going to the operators.
The exact split varies by country, but the EBU typically receives a small percentage, which helps fund future events.
Profit and Loss in 2024
The total budget for the 2024 contest was around €25 million, with revenues slightly exceeding costs, resulting in a modest profit. The balanced budget reflects the careful planning and financial management that goes into making Eurovision both a cultural and economic success.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we prepare for the 2025 contest in Basel, early estimates suggest similar financial dynamics. With the event being held in such a prestigious venue, and with Switzerland's history and commitment to excellence, we expect ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandising to perform strongly. Based on previous years, there is no indication or need for EU subsidies to be involved in the financing of the contest. The Eurovision Song Contest continues to thrive on its robust, self-sustaining financial model, ensuring that it remains a beloved and enduring tradition across Europe and beyond.
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