I've been reading another forum where they publish the financial results of the clubs. It doesn't make good reading and one has to wonder if its possible for SL to remain as it is once the next TV deal is negotiated. With the economic downturn, the demise of Setanta and with the Union-biased domestic channels not being interested in bidding, Sky will surely slice a huge chunk off the next deal. That IMO will make SL as it currently is no longer viable.
Hull FC -PROFIT £185,000
Bradford - Loss £17,000
Warrington - Loss £212,000
Cas - Loss £369,000
Saints - Loss £449,000
Hull KR - Loss £478,000
Wigan - Loss £592,000
Salford - Loss £832,000
Huddersfield - Loss £1,377,000
Harlequins - Loss £1,819,000
Wakefield - Have not filed accounts and recently faced a winding up order, so it's unlikely theirs will be good. Same with Celtic.
The clubs bolded simply don't have the backing to survive many more years like that. Clubs will fold in the coming years, the sport seems to be shrinking at professional level, with franchises becoming less viable due to the costs. This means even less media coverage (Is less than none possible?) and even fewer people playing the game.
Hull FC -PROFIT £185,000
Bradford - Loss £17,000
Warrington - Loss £212,000
Cas - Loss £369,000
Saints - Loss £449,000
Hull KR - Loss £478,000
Wigan - Loss £592,000
Salford - Loss £832,000
Huddersfield - Loss £1,377,000
Harlequins - Loss £1,819,000
Wakefield - Have not filed accounts and recently faced a winding up order, so it's unlikely theirs will be good. Same with Celtic.
The clubs bolded simply don't have the backing to survive many more years like that. Clubs will fold in the coming years, the sport seems to be shrinking at professional level, with franchises becoming less viable due to the costs. This means even less media coverage (Is less than none possible?) and even fewer people playing the game.