AFL v NRL - Who is Number 1? - SportsIndustryAU

The NRL launched its annual report into the media stratosphere several weeks ago trumpeting revenue, assets, profits and tv viewership as reasons for them to be considered the number 1 sport in the country.

According to an article on NRL.com – “Rugby League has reaffirmed its standing as the No.1 sporting code in Australia and the Pacific after the ARLC announced record breaking attendances, TV audiences, participation numbers, revenue and assets.”

The truth is, while the NRL do very well and are advancing, this may not strictly be true.

Revenue: AFL

In 2024, the AFL earnt 39% more revenue than the Australian Rugby League Commission. Total NRL Revenue was up 6.2% from $701m in 2023. Total AFL revenue was down from $1.063b to $1.039b due to $114m less in stadium development grants – however operational revenue grew 8.2% from 960m in 2023.

In real terms, the 288m gap between the two codes is the largest since 2017. Percentage wise the gap may be closing.

Profit: NRL

The NRL reported a profit 51% higher than the AFL. The NRL had just over half the operational expenses of the AFL, but the AFL still held an operating profit prior to distrubitions 13% higher than the NRL.

Net Assets: AFL – for now

The AFL has total assets of 765.708m, but with hefty liabilities bringing it down to 482.426m in net assets. The AFL maintains 186m in cash and cash equivelants and 50m in a capital reserve. This includes its ownership of Marvel Stadium and major shareholding in Champion Data.

The NRL for its part reports total Assets of 402.531m – including cash and equivelants of $227.872m – and Net assets of 322.39m This includes the ownership of 3 of its 5 hotels, with 2 purchased after the reporting data.

Television: NRL/Rugby League

The NRL enjoyed a 10% lead in the seasons aggregated average audience totals for their respective seasons. Foxtel audiences in 2024 were led by the NRL with an average of 483,000 per match.

Overall, the NRL/NRLW rated 186.8m to the AFLs 148.8m – all fixtures in Australia.

It should be noted that there are people who believe that aggregating the averages and comparing sports is wrong, and that the reach audience is more reflective of where the viewership is at.

Certainly, in terms of streaming at least the AFL matches have far more minutes watched than comparable NRL ones.

Attendance and Membership: AFL

The NRL recorded a 4.3 million fans through the gate, however the AFL attendance was a lot higher – with the AFL also attracting a record 7,756,268 fans for the home and away season alone, with another 592,000 attending finals.

AFL clubs had 1,319,687 club members in 2024. NRL club numbers havent been finalised but should be north of 400,000 for 2024. (The NRL no longer releases these and this is based on 2024 club released information)

Social Media: NRL

Across four major social media networks NRL clubs have a hefty advantage.

Participation – Australian Football (but only between these two)

Participation figures are harder to define. The AFL reported 581,000 across Club football and Auskick, including 144,000 in Auskick leaving 437,000 registered club players. The NRL reported 1.035m total participants including 202,000 registered club players.

Touch Football Australia reported 203,540 full active players in 2024, taking the potential registered League population to over 405,000.

Some prefer to stay clear of official figures, and refer to Ausplay survey data.

Ausplay gives Auistralian football

259,230 kids in organised activity outside of school hours
382,160 adults in organiused actities
a total of 641,390 across kids and adults.

Ausplay gives Rugby league

93,287 kids in organised activities outside of school hours, and a further 50,552 in Touch Football, plus 22,555 in Oztag
174,343 adults in organised activities and a further 142,842 in Touch Football plus 47,747 in Oztag
a total of 531,323 across kids and adults in league, oztag and touch.

It should be said that Association Football (Soccer) had 632,000 kids and 772,000 adults for 1.4m organised participants in 2024 according to Ausplay. Football Australia reported outdoor affiliated football participation at 640,234 for 2024.

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