Clubs will be glad they can at least get some revenue from gate sales now. They are claiming some big financial losses due to relocation/shut downs
Sydney NRL clubs are bracing for a combined loss of more than $20m as the COVID lockdown forces the remainder of the competition to be completed in Queensland.
The loss of gate takings, corporate hospitality and discounted memberships will bite into the clubs’ bottom lines for a second season in a row, with most losing around $2m. Penrith were anticipating a loss closer to $3.5m or even $4m because of their reliance on their leagues clubs, which have also been shut down.
The high-flying Sea Eagles would have also sold out Four Pines Park on Saturday week for what looms as a potential top-four shootout with Parramatta. The northern beaches club stands to lose more than $2.5m in revenue from the relocated games.
Parramatta are tipped to lose close to $3m from the four home games they have lost, including Friday night’s clash against South Sydney and the final-round derby against Penrith, which would have both been sellouts.
The NRL gave each club $14m at the start of the year, while a one-off $150,000 discretionary COVID payment was brought forward from the end of the season to this month.
They have picked up the relocation costs for players and families, but are now unable to generate revenue while Queensland remains in their own lockdown. This will become a huge concern should the finals be played with no crowds.
High-flying Sydney clubs are counting the multi-million dollar cost of having to surrender blockbuster games in the run home to the finals because of COVID.
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