2023 Financial Results show SANFL’s Strength in Numbers

Tuesday, March 12

An improved Adelaide Oval financial performance with increased AFL crowds and major events, together with prudent cost management, have helped to underpin a solid 2023 financial performance for the SANFL.

The SANFL has tonight released its 2023 Financial Results showing the league recorded positive cash earnings of $1.078m – compared to $1.022m in 2022.

The earnings result was mainly attributable to improved stadium returns from Adelaide Oval – which recorded a 25% uplift in crowds and increased major events and non-gameday functions – and effective cost control by SANFL.

A more stable economic environment and trading conditions, together with additional support from the AFL helped SANFL increase investment across all levels of the game.

SANFL also was able to increase football development grants to its eight member SANFL Clubs to $3.245 million and closer to pre-covid levels, up from $2.415m in 2022.

On the back of this result, SANFL committed $1m from its 2023 cash earnings to the previously announced SA Football Facilities Fund, along with a $7m co-investment from the State Government and AFL.

SA Football Commission Chair The Hon. Rob Kerin released the financial results at tonight’s SANFL AGM at Adelaide Oval where he thanked clubs, volunteers, administrators, staff, fans and corporate partners for a successful season.

“SANFL crowds across the season were significantly higher than 2022 reflecting the strength of the local competition and the strategy by the League and our partners to elevate matchday experiences,” he said.

“SANFL continues to be financially prudent when managing its operations, while investing strategically and supporting our SANFL and community clubs.

“We would like to acknowledge the AFL for increasing funding for Game Development back to pre-Covid levels and we look forward to further strategic investment in coming years.”

Looking forward to 2024, SANFL is budgeting for a cash surplus which will be contingent on further improving AFL crowds at Adelaide Oval and a strong major event schedule.

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 diversified revenue streams, with 2024 marking the first full-year of trading for SANFL’s X-Golf and Hey Caddy business at West Lakes.