The French National Rugby League has announced a €64.50 million (R1.4 billion) operating loss for the 2023-2024 season.

It marks a 9.7% increase from the previous year and the worst financial performance outside the lockdown-disrupted 2020-2021 campaign, L’Equipe reports.

According to the French news outlet, these losses are more than double the pre-lockdown five-year average, despite record turnover reaching €434m. The financial shortfall prompted Top 14 club shareholders to waive significant debts, reducing the net loss to approximately €35m.

Revenue streams showed impressive growth across ticket sales, sponsorships and TV rights distributions.

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However, expenses ballooned to nearly €500m, driven by inflation and increased operational costs related to hospitality, match-day operations and merchandise sales.

Only four of the 14 elite clubs operated in profit, with losses concentrated among a few unidentified clubs. One unnamed organisation alone posted a €17m operating deficit.

The financial strain has reportedly intensified calls to reform the current €10.7m salary cap structure, with several club presidents advocating for reductions in coming seasons to address the widening gap between income and expenditure.

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