St Helens Rugby Football Club has reported a marginal improvement in its annual financial position but says it still faces significant cost pressures following what directors describe as "another difficult season" on and off the field.
Key figures and what they mean
Accounts filed for the year ending 31 October 2025 show a pre-tax loss of £3.5m, a small improvement on the £3.6m loss recorded the previous year. Turnover rose modestly to £8.9m from £8.6m.
- Home gate receipts remained broadly stable compared with 2024.
- There was a fall in visiting fans, which the club links to comprehensive television coverage of Super League fixtures.
- Retail income declined while non-matchday hospitality and events produced similar revenue to the prior year.
- Hosting Liverpool Women’s Football Team at BrewDog Stadium for a full season provided an additional revenue stream.
"Costs have increased across all of the teams and the stadium as well as the impact of the national minimum wage, business rates and employers national insurance contributions. We continually look at ways to control and reduce our costs."
Where the money came from — and where it went
The club’s statement makes clear wage and operating costs remain the dominant pressure. While income grew slightly, the improvements were not sufficient to offset rising expenditure linked to player costs, stadium running and statutory employer contributions. Flat Super League distributions and weaker retail sales also constrained revenue growth.
| Item | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-tax loss | £3.5m | £3.6m |
| Turnover | £8.9m | £8.6m |
Sporting performance and wider context
On the pitch, Saints finished the 2025 Super League season in fifth place and were defeated in the play-off semi-final. The club’s women’s side reached both the Grand Final and the Challenge Cup Final but fell short on both occasions. Directors link some of the financial challenges to these outcomes, which can affect matchday income and retail sales.
Earlier in 2026 the club appointed Abi Ekoku as chief executive, succeeding Mike Rush. The change in leadership comes as the club seeks to balance competitiveness with long-term financial sustainability.
For supporters and local residents, the accounts underline a familiar picture across professional sport: modest revenue gains are being eroded by rising wage and operating costs, and clubs are looking for ways to diversify income while controlling expenditure.
Local stakeholders will be watching how the new executive team addresses these pressures, including efforts to boost matchday experience, commercial partnerships and event use of BrewDog Stadium to strengthen the club’s financial footing.
