ANALYSIS: The 2024 financial performances of three major Australian Rules Football entities in Western Australia make for interesting reading.
ANALYSIS: Even as a not-for-profit at state league or grassroots level, Australian Rules Football is a business.
Sure, volunteers who give up their time outside of work and family commitments remain the lifeblood of ensuring several key facets operate week-in, week-out – however the importance of annual success facilitated by full-time staff is equally vital.
Surpluses can result in more investment in resources and facilities, along with building total equity.
This is crucial, as it can be a handy buffer should a club or sporting code endure a challenging period. Quite often, it does not take much to be blown off course.
Take this example provided by Paul Lekias, chief executive of WAFL club Peel Thunder, during Business News’s look into WAFL finances last year.
“This could be as little as one dollar per head spent less per home game,” he said.
“I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you put that across ten home games and you average 2,000 people a game, there’s $20,000 that impacts your bottom line.”
The same can also be said for state, regional and community competition and governing bodies, which are essentially the custodians of the game in WA.
Perth Football League continues to flourish
Under the leadership of CEO Andrew Dawe, the Perth Football League has become the largest community-level sporting organisation on and off the field in WA.
In 2022, the PFL generated a net loss of $17,086.
Fast forward to October 31, 2024, and it has posted surpluses of $321,503 (2023) and $309,014 (2024) respectively.
During multiple interviews with Business News over the past year, Mr Dawe has outlined the importance of community for the PFL.
Aside from its empowering its clubs to generate networking and sponsorship opportunities, the competition also promotes awareness and support of several charitable causes – including and not limited to breast cancer, gambling harm reduction and mental health.
By doing this, the PFL clubs can provide a positive environment for both physical and mental health for players and officials, which in turn can lead to formed friendships and increased participation.
The PFL, trading as The Western Australian Amateur Football League, generated $3.52 million in revenue last year, an increase of $222,736.
While fees ($1.61 million) made up a large portion of the generated income, the PFL’s ability to form key business partnerships again resulted in an increase of sponsorship dollars.
Sponsorship revenue rose by $74,982 to $848,783 while football and apparel sales dipped by $3,622 to $30,987.
As of October 31 2024, the PFL had $992,403 in cash and cash equivalents, while its total equity reached $2.56 million.
Of this amount, $2.5 million was comprised of retained surpluses, with the remaining $60,000 as part of its WAFA reserve.
PFL 2024 Result – $309,014 (surplus)
PFL 2024 Revenue – $3.52 million
PFL Total Equity – $2.56 million
WA Football Commission Inc (has since re-branded to WA Football)
The WAFC is the state governing body for all levels of Australian Rules Football in WA. It also controls the licenses of both the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers, who participate in the AFL and AFLW competitions.
As a result, its finances are split into two sections – under WAFC Inc and consolidated, which includes all its subsidiary-based income.
Last year, WAFC Inc posted a net deficit of $1.88 million, down from a surplus of $366,337 in 2023.
Its net cash on hand regressed by $11.26 million, however this was primarily due to a rise in investing activities.
Overall, WAFC Inc generated $35.71 million of total income in 2024, down $714,404 from the prior corresponding period.
Of this amount, $13.19 million was comprised of state funding, up from $12.47 million.
Sponsorship and supply rights revenue was down $546,483 from $7.06 million in 2023, while its AFL funding and event-based revenue streams also dipped slightly.
Overall, WAFC Inc had $13.52 million in total accumulated funds as of October 31 2024 – comprised of $11.8 million in reserves and $1.72 million of accumulated surpluses.
From a consolidated funds perspective, $198.69 million in total income was generated, resulting in a total comprehensive income of $2.34 million for the year, down from $3.88 million in 2023.
In February, it was announced the WAFC had undergone a rebrand and would now be known as WA Football.
WAFC Inc 2024 result – -$1.88 million (net loss)
WAFC consolidated 2024 result – $2.34 million (net surplus)
WAFC Inc 2024 revenue – $35.71 million
WAFC consolidated 2024 revenue – $198.69 million
WAFC Inc total equity – $13.52 million
WAFC consolidated total equity – $147.29 million
Country Football WA builds on equity
An increase in sponsorship dollars played a part in Country Football WA’s revenue rising from $1.6 million to $2.05 million last year.
CFWA’s sponsorship revenue stream broke the $1 million barrier, and overall, it posted a net surplus of $378,838, up from a net loss of $50,828 in 2023.
As a result, CFWA – which was previously known as the WA Country Football League, increased its total equity from $846,968 to $1.22 million.
Next month, the 2025 Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships will be held in the Perth and Peel regions for both senior men’s and colts, with the women’s carnival to be held in Bunbury during the first few days of October.
CFWA 2024 Result – $378,838 (surplus)
CFWA 2024 Revenue – $2.05 million
CFWA Total Equity – $1.22 million
