Fairfax is reporting that the NRL has made a significant loss this season, despite record revenues.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman John Grant said the sport needs to improve its attractiveness to sponsors and business after the NRL slumped to a $18.7 million loss in 2015 despite record revenue.
The result was a $39 million less than the $20 million surplus the previous year, with financial details released by the NRL showing the governing body lost $12.5 million in the year ended October 31, 2015, despite revenue of $334 million.
The deficit widened to $18.7 million due to losses sustained by the Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle Knights, both of which are owned by the NRL, and state associations in Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. The league has been hit by a series of player scandals in recent years.
There was $49.6 million surplus in 2014. Losses are forecast for the next two seasons.