Gloucester Rugby announced a notable increase in commercial revenue for the 2022-23 season, despite a decrease in matchday income attributed to the departure of other clubs from Premiership. The club’s annual report, released in late March 2024, revealed a turnover of £18,162,660 for the year to June 2023, marking a significant rise from the previous year’s £17,035,172.
The season was undoubtedly affected by the departure of three Premiership clubs – Worcester Warriors, Wasps, and London Irish – resulting in a reduced number of matches being held at Kingsholm. However, the club’s devoted supporters and commercial partners played a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges. The club expressed gratitude for the unwavering loyalty and support from its members, box holders, and partners, emphasizing the invaluable contribution of the community in which the club operates.
Despite the impressive increase in revenue, Gloucester Rugby still reported an overall loss for the second consecutive year, amounting to £543,881. Encouragingly, this figure represents a reduction from the previous year’s loss of £694,537. The club’s revenue growth was observed in various areas, including ticket sales, hospitality, conferencing and events, sponsorship and advertising, community development, as well as commission on catering, bar, and shop sales.
Regarding on-field performance, the club experienced a mix of outcomes. The men’s team finished in tenth position in the Gallagher Premiership and reached the last 16 of the Heineken European Champions Cup. Conversely, the women’s team, Gloucester-Hartpury, achieved an impressive feat by clinching the league championship and securing victory in the play-off final at Kingsholm in front of a record 10,000 supporters.
The club’s ability to enhance its commercial revenue in the face of external challenges is a testament to the resilience and dedication of its fanbase and partners. Gloucester Rugby’s commitment to improving its financial sustainability and fostering success on and off the field is evident in the strides made in diversifying revenue streams and engaging with the community.
As the club continues to navigate the evolving landscape of professional rugby, the positive trajectory of its commercial revenue lays a robust foundation for future growth and stability. With strategic planning and continued support from its stakeholders, Gloucester Rugby is poised to build on this momentum and achieve sustainable success in the seasons to come.