AFL Financial Result shows $66 mil operating profit turnaround

The AFL has released its financial results for the 2022 season to the Presidents and Chairs of the 18 clubs. The results show an underlying operating profit of $20.7 million, compared to an operating loss of $46.1 million in 2021. This result includes the AFL’s subsidiaries, Marvel Stadium and Champion Data.

AFL Commission Chair, Richard Goyder, reviewed the year, saying that the collective effort of the football community, including players, coaches, officials, broadcast and corporate partners, and fans, delivered one of the biggest football years on record. The AFL held over 850 matches, including two AFLW seasons, in the 2022 calendar year.

Goyder also noted that the AFL Commission acted to entrench 10% of all football revenue to invest in game development and community football, acknowledging the importance of grassroots level and the thousands of volunteers who contribute to the sport. The AFL has also secured a new $4.5 billion broadcast deal to help secure the future of the game and make it accessible and affordable for all.

The AFL’s operating revenue increased by $131.8 million due to improved commercial returns from Marvel Stadium, sponsorship, and broadcasting. This revenue was used to fund various investments, including distributions to clubs, game development, the NAB AFLW competition, the AFLPA, infrastructure, and corporate and social responsibility initiatives. Operating expenditure increased by $63.0 million due to the expansion of the NAB AFLW competition and the completion of two NAB AFLW home and away seasons in the 2022 financial year.

AFL Chief Financial Officer, Travis Auld, said that the organization had prepared for another challenging year, so the financial results were a testament to the planning and discipline that the industry showed while working through the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022. He noted that the AFL’s balance sheet remains strong and that the priority remains to keep the game as affordable and accessible as possible for all.

In summary, the AFL’s financial results for 2022 show an increase in operating revenue, investment in various initiatives, and a strong balance sheet. The AFL recorded an underlying operating profit of $20.7 million, compared to an operating loss of $46.1 million in 2021.