The NRL has reportedly distributed the lion’s share of increased revenue to its clubs which have been asking for a greater say in how the game is funded.
New sponsorship deals saw the league record a $2.6 million loss and generate almost $354 million in overall revenue with money generated by non-broadcast avenues jumping by 12 per cent to more than $144 million.
The NRL’s 2016 financial results show $184 million went to the clubs, not including the league-owned Newcastle and Gold Coast.
“These results show we have invested a majority of revenue, both broadcast and non-broadcast, back into clubs and grassroots football,” NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg told Fairfax Media.
“Over the next few years, clubs and players will receive more revenue than ever before – and we will be investing more funds into grassroots.”
League chairman John Grant faced the axe in December but saved his job after striking a lucrative deal with the clubs from 2018 onwards.