More than half of the clubs in the English Premier League (EPL) could make pre-tax profits even if they played at empty stadiums – without a single fan in attendance – according to research by the BBC.

A record £8.3bn broadcasting deal signed by the EPL ahead of the 2016-17 season – coupled with income from other commercial deals – meant that matchday income contributed less than 20p in every £1 earned by 18 top-flight outfits.

The BBC cites EPL minnow Bournemouth – the club with the smallest ground capacity in the league (11,450) – as an example of how match day ticket income has lost its importance.

Bournemouth had a turnover of almost £136.5m in 2016-17, with only £5.2m coming from tickets – less than 4p in every £1 of its income.

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