Wigan Warriors rugby league club has reported increased financial losses for the fiscal year ending 30 November 2023, despite being under the new ownership of billionaire Mike Danson.
The club recorded a loss of £1.728 million, a significant increase from the £1.215 million loss reported the previous year. This occurred despite the club maintaining relative stability in revenue, with turnover reported at £6.589 million compared to £6.633 million in 2022. The financial strain can be attributed to rising wages, which increased from £4.815 million to £5.090 million due to inflationary pay hikes and continued investment in both playing and coaching staff.
The submitted accounts also reveal that the club owes a substantial £9.495 million to its former owner Ian Lenagan’s Wigan Sporting Club, a rise from the previous figure of £7.502 million in 2022. These debts consist of interest-free, unsecured loans with no defined repayment schedule.
Mike Danson became the full owner of Wigan’s two principal sports clubs after acquiring the remaining 51% share in Wigan Sporting Club last December. His acquisition of Wigan Rugby began in July 2020 and culminated in December 2023, following his earlier procurement of Wigan Athletic FC amid significant financial instability at the football club.
The board, under new ownership, believes that financial sustainability will be achieved through revenue growth across all sectors, while still investing in player performance. The directors forecast a notable increase in turnover to over £7.5 million for 2024, with anticipated growth in matchday receipts, sponsorship, and retail.
Conversely, central distributions from the Super League remain 20%-25% lower than in 2019 due to a revised Sky Television agreement. Despite no immediate improvement in 2024, a partnership with IMG, initiated in 2022, aims to elevate Super League’s profile and secure increased centralised revenue in the future.
In a significant move to heighten the sport’s global awareness, Wigan Warriors will play their home league match against Warrington Wolves at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas next March, a venue with a capacity of 65,000 and home to the Las Vegas Raiders.
On the field, Wigan Warriors have continued their success. The men’s team, building on a 2022 Challenge Cup victory, claimed the League Leaders Shield and the Super League Grand Final in 2023. They further excelled in 2024 by winning the World Club Challenge and the Challenge Cup, becoming the first men’s team since 2006 to hold all four major trophies concurrently.
The women’s team also showed commendable progress in 2023, reaching the Super League semi-finals. The club remains dedicated to the organic development of the women’s team under the same performance structure as the men’s, which is evidenced by the appointment of Dennis Betts as head coach for the 2024 season.
Despite the financial challenges, Wigan Warriors continue to excel on the pitch and are committed to long-term growth and success under new ownership.