If that figure of 14/16 clubs running at a loss is accurate than that is a disgrace. That tells me that there are 14 ceo's who are not active enough in generating sufficient revenue from the marketplace. It also leads me to believe that the market isnt big enough for them all to survive. This comes back to all the governing bodies not promoting the game at a high enough standard and there being too many clubs in Sydney.
With the pokie reforms and anti smoking movements descimating revenues from clubs, the teams need to be far more proactive in generating their own revenues and thus standing on their own two feet. What we have currently is some of Australias worst run businesses masquarading as football teams.
As for the game itself, season 2011 saw some dreadful games of football and some even more embarrasing crowd attendances. 30K stadiums with only 8k supporters present is making the code a laughing stock. It is a terrible look for tv and subsequent sponsors and provides a miserable atmosphere at the ground, which translates into lackluster efforts out on the field from the players.
Memberships are a key area that ALL clubs should be trying to improve upon. We at the Wests Tigers are one of the most supported sides in the league yet struggle to secure 10K members for the year…..why? When I look at powerhouse AFL clubs like Collingwood pulling in upwards of $100M anually and compare that to us who struggle to keep our head above water I shake in disbelief.
My idea for memberships runs along the same lines as those adopted by Costco. That company takes in over $1B anually just from memberships that allow customers the right to purchase from them. In return they lower their stock prices. What if a license was introduced for the NRL? A one off payment of $50 per adult, $20 per child, payable before the season starts that allows you the right to attend the games. Ticket, food/beverage and merchandise prices could then be slashed. In addition, your money buys you three games of football....U/20's, NRL reserve grade and NRL first grade....not a bad deal. In addition, any games that are played in that capital city are not televised that day, eg Tiges play Dragons at Campo on friday night - game is not televised in Sydney until a replay on the saturday. Bums on seats at the ground, spending money on merchandise and refreshments is one good way to increase revenue for clubs. When the games are being played in front of packed stadiums of screaming fans the product is unbeatable. That semi between the Broncs and Dragons was one of the most exciting in years...it was a very good look for the game. For the above to work though, it has to co-operate with the networks. This could be solved with careful planning and the release of the whole years draw in advance of the seasons start. If you want to watch your team play, get off your arse and go and watch them live...otherwise read about it in the paper.
The AFL threat is real and must be stopped or our game is done. This destabilisation must be doing nothing for sponsors who havent committed as of yet to our sport. A second super league will kill rugby league forever. They need to get their act together fast because the squabling over less than $50M is pathetic. Produce a superb 2012 with record attendences, tv ratings and memberships and the product will sell itself for the rights. THEN you put your hand out.....
