Rugby League Clubs Brace for Uncertain Central Funding Future
As the new IMG-led model for distributing central funding takes effect in 2025, clubs outside of the Super League are anxiously awaiting news on their financial allocations. Love Rugby League has learned that these details are expected to be unveiled within the next month.
Historically, Championship and League 1 clubs have had their funding tied to on-field performance. However, this system is set to undergo a significant transformation, with the IMG rankings now poised to determine each club’s share of the overall pot.
While an illustrative guide has been provided to clubs based on their 2024 gradings, the final figures cannot be confirmed until the Rugby Football League (RFL) completes its budgeting for the current and upcoming years.
The financial forecast paints a stark picture, with approximately £1.5 million set to be distributed between the 13 Championship teams in 2025. The situation is even more dire in League 1, where just over £300,000 will be shared among the 11 competing clubs.
The changes to the distribution model mean that the club set to receive the highest amount in the Championship is not the league’s top-ranked team, London Broncos, but rather Toulouse Olympique, based on their IMG gradings score. A sliding scale will then be applied, with the funding allocation decreasing for clubs ranked lower on the IMG scale.
The impact of these changes has already been felt, as exemplified by Widnes Vikings’ recent revelation that a single point deduction on their gradings due to the size of their press box and car park has resulted in a significant five-figure reduction in their funding.
In League 1, Keighley Cougars are poised to receive the highest distribution, followed by Workington Town, Swinton Lions, and so on. However, some clubs towards the bottom of the pyramid could receive as little as £20,000, with well over half of the teams outside the Super League unlikely to receive even £100,000 in central funding.
This shift in the funding model highlights the ongoing challenges faced by rugby league clubs, particularly those outside the top tier, as they navigate an uncertain financial landscape. As the clubs await the details of their 2025 allocations, they will undoubtedly be scrutinizing the new IMG-led system and its potential impact on their operations and long-term viability.
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