Media Release

SANFL builds momentum with solid financial performance

2024 Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final Day at Adelaide Oval. Higher income from increased major events, AFL crowds and non-game day functions at Adelaide Oval contributed to a positive 2024 Financial Result.

2024 SANFL Financial Key Points

  • Rebounding AFL crowds at Adelaide Oval help lift cash earnings
  • Talent and game development investment underpin positive result
  • SANFL distributes a total $3.62M in grants to SANFL Clubs

Tuesday, March 11

Improved returns from Adelaide Oval combined with prudent cost-management and continued investment in talent and game development have resulted in another solid financial performance for the SANFL.

The League has tonight released its 2024 Financial Results at the SANFL AGM showing cash earnings increased from $1.078M in 2023 to $1.718M in 2024.

The earnings result growth is mainly attributable to higher income from increased major events, AFL crowds and non-game day functions at Adelaide Oval with SANFL’s continued investment in football programs also contributing to the positive result.

In 2024, SANFL delivered a modest increase in football development grants paid to the eight-member State League Clubs sharing in $3.62M – a $375,000 increase on 2023 distributions.

SA Football Commission Chair The Hon. Rob Kerin said the 2024 financial result reflected the League’s commitment to prudent economic management while continuing to invest in growing the game in South Australia.

“2024 marked another positive year for SANFL which supported more than 66,600 participants including 52,000 registered players and a record 12,554 Auskick participants,” he said.

“Whether it was contributing to another successful AFL Gather Round, or delivering new programs for coaches, umpires and players, SANFL provided more opportunities than ever for people from all backgrounds and abilities to be involved in our great game.

“Investment in facilities is crucial to supporting the next SANFL and AFL talent and 2024 was a watershed year in that endeavour with construction starting on our $25.3M Talent and Community Facility at West Lakes.

“We look forward to building on our momentum, achievements and partnerships for the betterment of football in South Australia as we approach our 150th anniversary in 2027.”

“Investment in facilities is crucial to supporting the next SANFL and AFL talent and 2024 was a watershed year in that endeavour with construction starting on our $25.3M Talent and Community Facility at West Lakes.''

SA Football Commission Chairman Rob Kerin

SANFL is reinvesting its cash earnings for 2023, 2024 and its budgeted earnings from 2025 into the Talent and Community Facility at West Lakes.

SANFL has further increased its support to SANFL Clubs and is budgeting for another cash surplus in 2025.  This will be dependent on its return from Adelaide Oval on the back of increased AFL crowds, major events and non-event day functions.

Offsetting the projected revenue growth is increased operating costs at Adelaide Oval due to the broader economic and inflationary environment.

The financial performance will also be reliant on SANFL’s traditional and diversified revenue streams, including membership, partnership and the return from SANFL’s businesses at West Lakes.

 

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