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Gallagher-Prime Minister
Northampton Saints, historically one of the best financially managed clubs in PREM history, reported a record turnover of £26.9m for the year ending 30 June 2026. A decade ago in 2016, when the club enjoyed its 16th year of profitability, the club’s turnover was £16.61m.
Driven by strong commercial growth and ticket sales, cash generated from strong international exposure and a spin-off hosting Women’s Rugby World Cup matches, turnover increased by £3.4m on the previous year, making it a success on and off the pitch for the PREM champions.
Saints’ financial statement shows an underlying pre-tax profit of £0.2m. However, that result is affected by the accounting treatment of the RFU’s academy funding, which has changed, and, as a result, the accounts show a reported loss of £0.9m.
An increase in the number of staff, all off the pitch, from 239 to 251, helped to increase wage and salary costs by 5.8%, from £11.77m to £12.46m. Without this increase, the Saints would be very close to total failure.
“As the team has enjoyed an unforgettable year on the pitch, I am delighted to report that the club has delivered one of its strongest financial performances in recent memory,” said Ella Bevan, chairman of Northampton Saints.
“Underlying turnover reached a record £26.9m during the year, an increase of £3.4m on the previous season, despite the challenging economic environment in which all sporting organizations continue to operate.
“A combination of sustained record highs England EPS representation, additional knock-out matches at home, a successful Women’s Rugby World Cup stage at the DPD Stadium in Franklin’s Gardens, and continued growth in our commercial activities contributed to this outstanding result. Ticketing, hospitality and retail performed particularly strongly, while our corporate events and non-rugby businesses continued to build momentum.
“I am equally pleased that this growth has translated into improved profitability. On an underlying basis, the Club made a pre-tax profit of £0.2m, an improvement of £0.9m on the previous year. This progress reflects the hard work and commitment of our executive team, staff, players, supporters and commercial partners, and marks another important step towards long-term financial sustainability.
“Our balance sheet has strengthened significantly over the year, with net debt reduced by £4.5m and our cash balance increasing to £9.0m. Combined with net assets of £23.4m, this leaves the Club in a strong financial position and provides a strong platform to deliver on our long-term ambitions.
“Whilst we take great encouragement from these results, we remain focused on the work that remains to be done. Our priorities remain clear: to continue to grow revenue, maintain financial discipline, invest in DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens and provide exceptional experiences for our fans, partners and visitors, while ensuring Northampton Saints remain competitive at the highest level.
“The progress made during 2025/26 provides further evidence that this strategy is working, and with a talented leadership team, a clear plan and solid foundations, I believe the Club can look to the future with real confidence.”
Saints’ financial report is another sign that the league is getting back on its feet after losing three clubs, Wasps, London Irish and Worcester in quick succession after the pandemic, and hopefully looking forward to a more sustainable future.
As reported by RugbyPass last week, the league’s recently published second annual financial watchdog report said the league’s revenue in the 2025 financial year was £7.8m above projections.
