Why Wednesday’s IMG news is vital for London Broncos as potential investment outlined

We have known for some time that London Broncos won’t be in Super League in 2025, but this week’s IMG grading announcement could still be vital for the club.

The Broncos held a fans forum at Plough Lane, Wimbledon this week, answering questions from the fans surrounding the number of problems the club are having at the moment.

One discussed situation was surrounding their home ground, owned by the fans of AFC Wimbledon, with chief executive Jason Loubser clarifying: “It was a ten year deal with a break clause coming after three and this is year three.

“We’ve been in constant communication with Wimbledon, they very much want us to stay and we very much want to stay. I met their MD last week and we are making plans to be here next season.”

Why IMG grading could still be vital for London Broncos

London Broncos are in dire straits financially with the club confirming just last week that they expect to need just shy of £1,000,000 to compete in 2025, with £350,000 of that required within the next month.

When asked if there was a deadline set by the RFL to say the club don’t have sufficient funds, Loubser explained: “They’ve not given us a definite deadline. We had to submit the fixtures request, which we did last week.

“So other than that we are just following the normal procedure, what we would do every year. After the (Championship) Grand Final on Saturday and the gradings announcement on Wednesday, we will then get told, but they haven’t given us a deadline.”

That IMG announcement on Wednesday looks to be pivotal for the club with Loubser conceding that investment hopes effectively hang on the club’s grade, something that is believed to be a mid-range to high B at around 12.5 points.

On the prospect of interested investors, Loubser confirmed: “A lot of parties have said they will wait until Wednesday and see where we are at so Wednesday is a big day for us.”

On their plans to make up the £350,000 shortfall, he also said: “Memberships; we are very grateful for the crowdfunder that has been set up, we have a few other things in the pipeline which we are soon to release and then obviously targeting sponsorship.

“We need shirt sponsorship signed off in the next 10 days so we can have shirts ready to sell to you all before Christmas. All manufacturers take six weeks so we need to get on with that.”