AFL growth initiatives result in profit increase

March 8, 2019

The AFL has announced that its 2018 profit exceeded $50 million, an increase of $1.6 million on the previous 12-month period.

The AFL achieved record commercial revenue of $210 million in 2018, with a profit of $50.4 million, while its consolidated financial result, which includes all of the AFL's controlled state subsidiaries, Champion Data and Marvel Stadium, produced a profit of $25.9 million.

This compares with a profit of $60.3 million in 2017, which included a one-off $41.5 million non-cash gain realised from the acquisition of Marvel Stadium.

Commenting on the positive financial result, AFL Chief Financial Officer, Travis Auld stated “this is a strong result for the AFL industry as we continue to commit long-term to strengthening the game and ensuring AFL clubs are financially secure and competitive.

“The increases in expenditure in 2018 included revenue-related increases, additional marketing investment in New South Wales and Queensland and increased investment in AFLW, female participation and community football expenditure.”

The 2018 financial results take into account the following milestones – the introduction of Optus Stadium in Perth, consolidated profitability of the 18 elite AFL clubs, the broadcast rights agreement, growing support from AFL corporate partners, a successful 2018 finals series and the signing of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the AFLPA for AFLW players.

Other key AFL financial highlights included:

• Revenue increased by $17.4 million to $668 million, due to the broadcast rights deal and a successful 2018 finals series.
• Operating expenditure increased by $10.3 million to $203.3 million, due to revenue-related increases and investment in strategic priorities including northern markets, AFLW and female participation.
• The operating surplus before grants and distributions increased by two per cent to $467.7 million.

The AFL provided grants and distributions of $417.3 million in 2018, comprised of the following: $307.2 million to AFL clubs; $46.9 million of primarily state-based game development grants; $36.6 million to the AFLPA; $25.3 million to infrastructure comprising of elite and community facilities and contributions to stadia redevelopments; and $1.2 million to corporate and social responsibility initiatives.

Image: Melbourne's Marvel Stadium, now owned by the AFL.

28th February 2019 - AFL Victoria advises of record participation figures

1st February 2019 - Lions AFLW team base to be backed by $15 million in Federal Government funding

21st September 2018 - AFL renews airline sponsorship deal with Virgin Australia

20th September 2018 - AFL seeks project manager for Marvel Stadium upgrade

12th May 2018 - AFL Cairns looks for $25 million Cazalys stadium upgrade

30th April 2018 - Etihad Stadium welcomes 40-millionth event patron

23rd March 2018 - IBISWorld study confirms West Coast Eagles as AFL’s most profitable club

21st March 2018 - ‘Hard decisions’ ahead for AFL in Tasmania

4th November 2017 - AFL Womens players get new pay deal for 2018 season

20th June 2017 - AFL players agree six-year pay deal

17th February 2017 - Rising costs see AFL record $17.8 million loss in 2016

18th November 2016 - Richmond Tigers report loss but confident on future operations

7th October 2016 - AFL agrees Etihad Stadium purchase

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