Wigan Warriors post increased losses after takeover amid positive projection

Wigan Warriors have reported increased losses over the course of the 2023 calendar year.

The Warriors have filed their accounts with Companies House, which can be accessed by the public, and despite winning last year’s Super League Grand Final, they still recorded a loss of £1,680,625 for the financial year up to November 30.

That’s up from the 2022 loss, which stood at £1,215,515, with the club, who were bought by local businessman Mike Danson last year, seeing an increase of operating loss of almost £500,000. The total operating loss recorded in 2023 stands at £1,637,314, which is up from 2022’s total of £1,153,644.

However, the accounts show the club’s overall turnover remained stable over the course of the financial year, with the Warriors bringing in £6,589,786, which is just over £40,000 less than their 2022 total. As such, they recorded a gross profit of £4,954,273.

In other good news, the club’s level of external debt has been reduced from £2.5m to £2.2m.

With an increased average league attendance of over 1,000 being recorded, it is noted that matchday revenue increased over 2023 to make up 38 per cent of the club’s total revenue. That offsets the slight fall in central revenue, sponsorship and retail over the financial year.

Salary costs also went up last year, with staff costs seeing a rise of 6.2 per cent. It means the club paid out £5.1m in wages, which is up from the 2022 total of £4.8m.

As part of the account summary, the club project an increased turnover for 2024 ‘to a level in excess of £7.5m’, due to a growth in matchday receipts, sponsorship and retail they have experienced this season. The club also reiterate their dedication to investing in the playing squad and maximising performance on the field.

Elsewhere, the Wigan Warriors board outlines their hope that although central distributions are not projected to rise until the end of the next television contract in 2026, the work of IMG in building the brand and value will lead to increased revenue down the line.