ST HELENS have lodged their annual report and accounts for the year ended 31st October 2025.
And the accounts reveal that the club’s income has risen slightly but its losses have continued to mount.
The club’s directors make no effort to disguise their disappointment with its financial performance as well as its results on the field.
“The 2025 season was another difficult season for the club,” they point out.
“A league position of fifth then saw us eliminated in the semi-final of the play offs by Hull KR.
The St Helens women’s team lost out in both the Grand Final and the Challenge Cup Final and continued to evolve professionally.
“Home gate receipts were comparable to 2024 but in general there was a drop off in visiting fans, presumably a result of all games being televised.
“Super League distributions remained flat despite all games being televised.
“Retail sales were down but non-matchday hospitality and events continued at around the same levels.
“Hosting Liverpool Women’s football team for a full season generates additional margin.
“Total revenues rose 3% from £8,581,390 in 2024 to £8,876,350 in 2025. Operating losses decreased from £3,554,463 to £3,459,277 in 2025. Costs have increased across all of the teams and the stadium as well as the impact of the national minimum wage, business rates and employers national insurance contributions. We continually look at ways to control and reduce our costs.
“Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation improved marginally from a loss of £2,559,952 in 2024 to a loss of £2,482,999 in 2025.
“Net assets decreased from a net asset of £313,258 in 2024 to a net liability of £2,891,096 in 2025. Debtors and cash are £964,927 (2024 – £980,067).
“Energy prices are a major concern as there is no way to pass on these increased costs without impacting attendances for both match and non-match day activity.
“In line with all Rugby League clubs, we are subject to IMG Grading of which we are Grade A (2024 – Grade A).
“Whilst our average home attendance has fallen slightly to 9,491 from 9,966, our Social Media followers have increased from 277,260 to 295,505 and engagements have increased from 32 million to nearly 37 million.
“Our non-centralised turnover has increased to 86% of total turnover (2024 – 82%).
“Given that central distributions are unlikely to dramatically increase in the short term, the club will focus on improving operational revenues as well as reviewing and rationalising its costs.
“Given the brand of Rugby League and the quality of the club’s facilities and stadium, it is relatively well placed to improve its financial performance and position over the longer term.
“Due to the impact of COVID 19 on Rugby League, the company previously received £2.6m of loans provided by the government as specific support to the sport of Rugby League. These loans attracted interest from May 2021 and interest and loan repayments commenced in July 2023 over an eight year period. The annual cost of servicing these loans is £348,914.”