Every NRL club’s commercial, membership and game-day revenue revealed in secret document

The Wests Tigers have hit back at damning statistics that show them languishing behind all 16 NRL club rivals, revealing how they plan to overcome the enormous financial gulf.

Wests Tigers boss Shane Richardson says his club will continue to “strive towards being a top-four club”, despite revelations they rank last among all 17 NRL teams in terms of financial performance.

The Tigers have taken a battering on and off the field in recent seasons, resulting in a league-worst financial return in 2024.

A leaked NRL document, obtained by Code Sports, showed the Tigers had a total commercial revenue of just $13.4 million last season, a stark contrast to the league-leading Brisbane Broncos’ $48.9 million.

REVEALED: EVERY NRL CLUB’S COMMERCIAL REVENUE

Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson says the club has enjoyed a financial surge in 2025. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

SIGN UP TO CODE SPORTS NOW FOR EXCLUSIVE ACCESS:

• Chill, Dogs fans: Why Ciraldo is right to back Galvin

• Bear bait: The players at your NRL club who could be headed West

• ‘It makes me feel sick’: Footy star’s warning after cancer scare

• Revealed: Shock get-out clause could sink PNG expansion side

• The falling out that cost Manly their $1m halfback prodigy

• Listed: Every NRL player at every club and the agent behind them

• Unmasking the faceless men who hold the power at every NRL club

• Inside the attacking tricks of the NRL’s next great playmaker

Chief executive Shane Richardson has responded to revelations the Wests Tigers finished last among all 17 NRL clubs in terms of financial performance for the 2024 season, declaring they have taken significant steps to address their issues and that they’re on a path to recovery.

The Tigers ranked last in overall commercial revenue, commercial corporate revenue ($6.9m), corporate hospitality revenue ($600,000) and membership ($1.5m). Richardson acknowledged the Tigers’ plight, but argued the club had enjoyed a strong uplift this season, as they attempt to avoid a fourth straight wooden spoon.

“The club has made significant strides this season across all key metrics, however, we will not rest on our laurels as we strive towards being a top-four club,” Richardson said.

According to the Tigers, they have experienced a 51 per cent year-on-year growth in hospitality revenue and 27 per cent increase in both game-day and membership revenue, with 16 per cent jumps in sponsorship and merchandise sales respectively.

“We have come a long way, but the job isn’t done yet,” Richardson said.

The Tigers’ financial challenges have been laid bare.

The Tigers attribute their 2025 commercial growth “in large part to the introduction of CommBank Stadium as a home venue”.

Last year, the Tigers split their home games with five at Campbelltown Stadium and another five at Leichhardt Oval, both of which lack the modern facilities needed to generate meaningful financial returns.

The Tigers are reporting a 24 per cent increase in game-day crowds from last season, and an eight per cent growth in TV viewership.

“The club has stressed the importance of playing at state-of-the-art venues and has made a strategic move to CommBank Stadium as a home venue, which has already shown positive results,” Richardson said.

Despite five straight losses, the last three have come by only four-point margins, and the Tigers’ five wins this year are already more than they managed during the entire 2024 season (four).

Originally published as Every NRL club’s commercial, membership and game-day revenue revealed in secret document