SCR rules confirmed for 2026/27 - currently in shadow for 2025/26. Figures last reviewed 2026-05-17.

EFL Squad Cost Ratio

How much can Lincoln City spend?

Under the EFL's Squad Cost Ratio rules, Lincoln City can spend around £3.5m on squad costs - based on an estimated £7m of football revenue and the 85% limit. That puts them an estimated £1.6m over the limit on current figures.

Lincoln City: the SCR breakdown

  • Estimated revenue (football) reported £7m
  • SCR limit - 50% of revenue £3.5m
  • Estimated squad cost estimated £5.1m
  • Headroom −£1.6m
Restricted - squad cost is 73.5% of revenue

What this means

On these estimates, Lincoln City are spending well above what SCR allows. Closing that gap usually means selling players or growing revenue before they can strengthen further.

Note on this club's figures. 2023-24 revenue £6.97m (up from £6.52m). Est. 2025-26 wages £98,500/wk (£5.12m/yr). SCMP ratio est. ~74% of 2023-24 revenue — over the 50% standard threshold. Mid-table operator; revenue growth would ease compliance risk. No special circumstances (not relegated from Championship). Sources: sentinelsportsgroup.co.uk (revenue data), matchdayfinance.com (L1 2023-24 financial results), footballleagueworld.co.uk (24-club wage ranking).
Source.

Compare Lincoln with another club

Figures are illustrative estimates from published accounts and public reporting, not official SCR submissions. SCR uses adjusted football revenue, which differs from headline turnover. Last reviewed 2026-05-17. Full rules explainer →