THE CARLTON Football Club has today announced a net operating profit of $3,390,993 for 2022, an increase on the $1,282,346 result achieved in 2021.
This operating result has contributed to the Club declaring a statutory net profit position of $17,020,366 (2021: $20,257,029), which includes both capital and operational non-recurring grants received, as well as philanthropic contributions towards the IKON Park redevelopment.
This significant increase can be attributed largely to the Club’s loyal members and supporters, as another membership record was achieved off the back of a 9 per cent growth (81,302 to 88,776), as well as an average home crowd attendance of 49,784 – ranked number one in the AFL.
As a result, the Club generated net revenues totaling $20,069,003 from membership, gate receipts and retail – a 29 per cent increase on the comparable 2019 financial year ($15,570,918), prior to the pandemic.
The Club’s commercial partners also underpinned what was a positive financial result, as revenues grew to $16,565,251, a 28 per cent increase from 2019 ($12,977,330).
This year was the first in which the Club’s AFL and AFLW football programs were supported by both club co-major partners in Hyundai and Great Southern Bank, continuing to highlight the connection and support of our partners.
The Club’s non-traditional revenues continued to grow after two interrupted years, with revenue up 11 per cent from 2021.
The Carlton IN Business Network now comprises of 162 members, and the Carlton College of Sport realised further growth in enrolments, with on-site learning returning in 2022.
It was a landmark year for Carlton Respects and the Club’s community endeavours, with the Blues launching Road to Respect, a digital learning platform set to be implemented in 2023, which aims to educate students about respect and equality, centred around prevention of violence and positive impact.
During the year, the Club proudly completed and opened to the public the final stages of its redevelopment, which has seen the Club cement IKON Park as the home of AFLW.
Included in the project delivery was the unveiling of broadcast-standard lighting for AFLW night matches, fully integrated high-performance training facilities and vastly improved match-day conditions for opposition teams and spectators.
The Club’s redevelopment was made possible due to the funding support secured with the Victorian State Government and Federal Government in prior years, resulting in the Club obtaining $20,196,500 and $15,000,000 respectively, towards the redevelopment of IKON Park.
The Club’s football department costs and investment in high performance increased a total of 13 per cent from 2021, with player payments returning to the pre-COVID-19 2022 CBA, and a second AFLW season being played in the financial year.
Carlton CEO Brian Cook said this year’s financial result was a testament to the hard work, support and loyalty of every person who wears the Navy Blue and lays a strong platform for the Club to launch from in 2023.
“For a year that started with so much uncertainty around our game, to have generated such a significant financial result over a sustained period is certainly pleasing and has enabled us to continue to invest in our football programs and complete our high-performance facilities,” Cook said.
“In 2022 we were able to re-establish a number of our key revenue sources in order to make these necessary investments. These decisions were made in accordance with our five-year strategic plan, ensuring we remain committed to our purpose, as a united, inclusive and values-based club that achieves on and off-field success.”
“We are a football club that exists for and because of, our members. They make a difference for us on the field with their unmatched passion and support, and this result proves how significant their contribution is to the off-field position our club holds.
Click here to view a link to the 158th Annual Report.
