Football Australia reports impressive revenue growth for 2023 financial year
In a resounding fiscal result for Football Australia, the governing body has reported an exceptional performance for the financial year ending June 30 – reporting a staggering 48 percent year-over-year surge in revenue to reach an impressive AUS$113.3 million.
This substantial growth underscores the flourishing football landscape in the nation, fuelled by several key factors.
Despite the overall revenue surge, Football Australia faced a 26 percent year-over-year decrease in broadcast revenue, amounting to AUS$11.4 million. Contrastingly, sponsorship revenue experienced a robust upswing, soaring by an impressive 47 percent to reach AUS$20.2 million.
Football Australia achieved a net surplus of AUS$671,000 for the reported financial year, a notable figure albeit a decline from the previous year’s surplus of AUS$3.6 million.
The standout catalyst for this financial success was the stellar performance of the Socceroos in the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Their journey to the Round of 16 in Qatar not only captured hearts but also secured a substantial AUS$19.4 million in prize money.
New sponsorship deals played a pivotal role, with a prominent three-year partnership with Subway reportedly valued at almost AUS$12 million, granting the fast-food giant naming rights to the men’s national team.
A significant boost in merchandising revenue from AUS$1.1 million to AUS$3.2 million further underscores the growing appeal of football-related merchandise among fans.
The reported financial results do not encompass the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the national team, the Matildas, reached the semi-finals. Early indicators for the new financial year suggest robust Matildas merchandise sales, already surpassing last year’s total of AUS$3.2 million.
Football Australia’s Chief Executive, James Johnson, expressed optimism about the future in the annual review.
“The year 2023 has been a watershed for Football Australia and the sport more broadly,” Johnson said.
“It has been a year where the sport has been able to differentiate itself from others within the domestic sporting landscape by highlighting its inherent qualities. We have never been in a stronger position to capitalise on the popularity of the sport, and we have already taken steps to take Australian football to new heights in the future.”
Looking forward, Johnson is confident that the positive trend will continue into the 2024 financial year, anticipating further increases in sponsorship revenue. Future financial results will also account for Women’s World Cup prizemoney and ticket sales.
Discussions with potential broadcast partners for a new commercial deal spanning 2025 to 2028 are underway, with expectations of finalising the deal early next year. The competitive landscape suggests a promising future for Australian football, poised to build on its recent successes and secure a strong financial footing in the years to come.
