Brentford’s ‘Moneyball’ model, inspired by the tactics used by Major League Baseball side Oakland Athletics’ executive vice president Billy Beane, is being widely credited for the club’s ascend to the Premier League. The west London team defeated Swansea City 2-0 on Saturday to secure promotion to the English top-division after a 74-year hiatus.

Also read: Kai’s the limit. Havertz overwhelmed after scoring Champions League winner

According to Deloitte LLP’s estimation, Brentford can generate about £280 million in revenue over five years if it survives a first season in the top division. This number is 20 times the club’s revenue for the year ended June 30, 2020 – £13.9 million excluding player sales.

Also read: Kevin de Bruyne faces race to make Euro after facial fractures

What is the ‘Moneyball’ model?

The Moneyball strategy is the use of statistical analysis to evaluate and further acquire undervalued assets. It also constitutes selling the overvalued ones.

Smaller teams with less spending capacity like the Oakland Athletics of 2002 use the model and utilize their resources efficiently.

Also read: The Bees are buzzing. Fans elated as Brentford are back in Premier League

Rasmus Ankersen, Brentford’s co-director of football, while talking to Bloomberg said, “Brentford can’t win by outspending the competition so we have to outthink them. And the question that comes from that is how can we be different? How can we do things in a different way? So, what are the inefficiencies in the system in football, and how can we exploit those?”

Brentford bought Mbuemo for £6million to replace Neal Maupay (£20million), Ivan Toney was roped in for £35million Ollie Watkins and Roerslev was bought for £5million.

Also read: In pics | Chelsea celebrate Champions League final win over Manchester City

According to Bloomberg, chief Matthew Benham is at the center of the Moneyball model. The data-driven entrepreneur ditched the traditional scouting techniques for clever statistical placements. 

“Matthew’s ownership strategy has been an inspiration for people like myself, who are trying to change and modernize the way people look at club ownership,” Jordan Gardner, the majority shareholder in Denmark’s FC Helsingor told Bloomberg.

Benham has invested more than £100million in the club, according to Bloomberg. 

The Bees lost in nine Championship playoff finals before winning the one played on Saturday.