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The Australia Rugby League Commission has announced that it saw a $49.9 million surplus for 2014, following from the $49.6 million from 2013.
The numbers touted by the NRL today appear to show the game is in great financial health.
Today’s annual generation saw both Commission Chairman John Grant and NRL CEO Dave Smith trumpeting successes for the code in the last year.
There were some facts that were hard to ignore, including the fact that rugby league had the top three highest rating shows of any kind on Australian television in the year, along with the 250,000 people who committed to membership of some kind.
Grant said the plan they had put in place was working.
“We reported today on some big achievements and our financial performance has once again been very strong. We’re building a balance sheet to secure the game’s future whilst at the same time preserving profitability, and two years into our new rights deal we are distributing the funds in support of the game’s growth agenda and strategic priorities.”
Dave Smith said the growth story of the last two years was hard to ignore.
“In two years we have built a combined operating surplus of close to $100m that will be reinvested back into the game. We’re proud that this surplus has been achieved while the NRL has continued to increased financial support for all aspects of the game,” Smith said.
“We have also put aside $50m into a long term Sustainability Fund that will ensure the game’s underlying position is secured”.
Mr Grant also complimented the structure that had been put in place to secure the game’s future.
“We are transforming our operations so that we have the right foundations in place on which to keep building.
“This is why we are investing to develop the skills, capability and capacity of the NRL to maintain that momentum.
“The results that have been delivered over the past two years have been driven by the hardworking team at the NRL led by CEO Dave Smith and we’re in a strong position to meet our challenges and secure the opportunities of the future.” he said.
Smith elaborated on some of the developmental steps the league had taken in light of the windfall.
“We have increased distributions to the Clubs, the State Leagues and into the development of the game to more than $200 million.
“We also set up a model in New South Wales in partnership with the Government to create a new Footy Facilities Fund that is driving investment of more than $4 million into grassroots facilities – that’s something we want in other states too.”
“Off the field we introduced new concepts such as the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, which were a tremendous success, and we’re driving a strong campaign to push membership which supports our clubs.”
“We’re also widening our base at the local level and also invested more in career education and training for players, and focused on strengthening governance across the game. These are activities that improve our brand and reputation.”
Mr Smith said there was still a lot of work ahead to achieve the game’s longer term targets.
“Our focus is our clubs and securing their sustainability; investment into rectangular stadia which will drive a better fan experience; staying committed to enhancing our brand; building value into our future rights; and a dedicated focus on key strategic priorities in football such as pathways and competition structures from the grassroots up to the elite level.
“These are the elements that will build even greater value in our game,” Mr Smith concluded.
What do you think Roarers? What’s your take on the figures?
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