The AFL has recently returned from its sojourns with the NFL in America to try to resolve the thorny issue of Equalisation. Since the return, information has been coming to us in drips and drabs – as the AFL likes to do. Heres what we know so far.
On August 28th, the AFL released a statement on the 2014 Fixture which announced changes in fixturing that would assist smaller clubs to an extent by more evenly weighing up the teams clubs play twice. When the fixture was released on October 31, a number of clubs were featured in marquee slots and with better exposure, whereas some big clubs will be less exposed than they have been previously accustomed to.
On October 24th, John Ralph and Mcheal Warner reported in the Heraldsun (‘AFL Fans could pay an extra $2“) that an additional $2.00 would be charged at the gate next season as a form of equalisation tax. This apparently will not affect club memberships. Half of the gate tax would go to the home club, with the other half going to an equalisation pool. General admission prices have been frozen at $20 for the last four years. The Age says that the levy will not apply to home games at Etihad.
On November 16th, Micheal Gleeson reported in The Age (“AFL signs sports drink deal“) that the AFL will has delivered a new centralised beverage sponsorship deal that has delivered more money than previously, by segmenting the different types of drinks rather than having a single category. Instead of a single beverage sponsor, there is now Milk, Water and Soft Drink categories amongst others.
On November 16th, Adelaide CEO Stephen Trigg was quoted in the Adelaide Sunday Mail (“Equalisation plans could stifle innovation“) as saying
“You don’t want to stifle innovation. You don’t want to limit bringing good people into the industry, so it’s a difficult issue. But the sorts of levers that will be addressed will be things like the success of gaming venues, the equality of stadium deals, membership profitability and so on.
Some of those levers, it could be interesting for us. In other areas, such as gaming, it could be irrelevant.
You don’t want to put a cap on innovating; you don’t want to put a cap on driving the best medical and research areas. You don’t want to put a cap on getting the best people from outside the industry. So it’s a broader issue. I expect over the next few meetings we’ll have more clarity.”
Grant Baker, writing for the Heraldsun on November 17th (“The AFl will be transparent over its aid to clubs“) reports that the AFL is embarking on a policy of greater transparency when it comes to the aid grants it hands out to clubs after some questions arose over the amounts paid to Brisbane and Melbourne.
More to come as the AFL releases it. You can join the discussion here.
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In other news today, Hawthorn revealed a net profit in excess of $ 3 million. This follows revelations that Carlton had a million dollar turnaround in finances in 2013, and North Melbournes announcement of a million dollar profit.
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Melbourne have signed a new major sponsor – Automotive Holdings Group – for 3 years. As part of the deal, AHG will occupy the front and back of the Melbourne jumper for 2014-16.
