BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Rugby League Commercial has published its financial accounts for 2024, revealing an increase in sponsorship income but drops in broadcast income and turnover.
According to the accounts on Companies House, RL Commercial’s sponsorship income grew to £5,199,821 last year, up from £3,955,580 in 2023. But its broadcast income, due to the reduced Sky TV deal, dropped to £23,317,708 compared to £26,459,951 in 2023.
RL Commercial enjoyed a small increase in match income, up to £4,648,561 from 4,602,899 in 2023.
The organisation’s turnover was down to £34,505,721, compared with £36,386,542 the year before, with gross profit down to £28,613,406 from £30,254,578.
Last year staff costs increased slightly, to £1,683,186 from £1,645,180 in 2023, despite its number of employees dropping from 41 to 39.
In 2024 the 12 Super League clubs received £1.48 million each from RL Commercial, down from £1.59 million each in 2023.
The report states: “There are a number of factors which significantly affect RL Commercial’s trading performance. In recent years the cost of employer’s liability insurance has increased significantly due to risks around player welfare in relation to head impacts on the field.
“A base cost level of insurance is met by the RFL, the Governing Body of the Sport, with any costs above that base being met by RL Commercial.
“The past two years have seen premiums begin to stabilise, but the risk remains that the outcome of the ongoing brain injury claim against the Governing Body may impact premiums in future years.”