Introduction to Bukayo Saka’s Image Rights Company

Friday 25 April 2025 10:37 am
 |  Updated: 
Friday 25 April 2025 10:38 am

Bukayo Saka signed a new contract with Arsenal in summer 2023

A company set up to manage Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka’s image rights more than doubled in value last year.

Income at BS7 Rights Limited, which is run by his parents Adenike Saka and Hamed Saka, increased from £2.30m to £4.64m in 2024.

The sharp rise came after Saka signed a new contract at Arsenal, reported to be worth around £15m a year, at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Bukayo Saka’s Football Career

The 23-year-old has emerged as a key player for both club and country since breaking into first-team football aged 17, soon after signing his first professional contract.

Saka has made 257 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 69 goals and contributing 70 assists, mostly from the right wing.

He has been a driving force in the north London club’s resurgence in recent seasons and their run to the semi-finals of this season’s Champions League.

The Wembley-born star scored as Arsenal completed a 5-1 aggregate win over reigning European champions Real Madrid last week.

Saka has earned 43 England caps since making his debut in 2020, scoring 12 goals and helping the team reach the final in two European Championships.

Why Players Like Bukayo Saka Use Image Rights Companies

As well as a lucrative contract with the Gunners, Saka has a sponsorship deal with New Balance and is one of the faces of the company’s football boot range.

Professional athletes and in particular footballers commonly set up companies to license the use of their image and other personal characteristics to clubs, sponsors and brands.

This gives them greater control over how their persona is used and, crucially, means that they pay a lower rate of tax on the income than they do on their regular salary.

Earnings from image rights companies are subject to corporation tax of 25 per cent rather than the 45 per cent tax applied to any salary over £125,000.

Benefits of Image Rights Companies

Saka’s parents are also directors of two other companies related to the Arsenal player’s activities, BS7 Investments Limited and Phantom Management Limited.

These companies allow Saka to manage his finances and investments, as well as his image and sponsorship deals, in a more efficient and tax-effective way.

How Image Rights Companies Work

Image rights companies like BS7 Rights Limited are set up to manage the intellectual property rights of athletes, including their name, image, and likeness.

These companies license the use of the athlete’s image and other personal characteristics to clubs, sponsors, and brands, and collect royalties and other payments on their behalf.

The income generated by the image rights company is then subject to corporation tax, rather than income tax, which can result in significant tax savings for the athlete.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bukayo Saka’s image rights company, BS7 Rights Limited, has more than doubled in value over the past year, thanks to his successful football career and lucrative sponsorship deals.

The use of image rights companies like BS7 Rights Limited allows athletes like Saka to manage their finances and investments more efficiently, and to pay a lower rate of tax on their income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an image rights company?

An image rights company is a company set up to manage the intellectual property rights of an athlete, including their name, image, and likeness.

Q: How do image rights companies work?

An image rights company licenses the use of the athlete’s image and other personal characteristics to clubs, sponsors, and brands, and collects royalties and other payments on their behalf.

Q: What are the benefits of using an image rights company?

The benefits of using an image rights company include greater control over how the athlete’s persona is used, and the ability to pay a lower rate of tax on income generated by the company.

Q: How much can an athlete save by using an image rights company?

An athlete can save up to 20 per cent on their tax bill by using an image rights company, depending on their individual circumstances and the tax laws in their country.

Q: Are image rights companies only for footballers?

No, image rights companies can be used by any athlete or celebrity who wants to manage their intellectual property rights and reduce their tax bill.