Brisbane Broncos Half-Year Profit Rises 33% on Strong Revenue Growth

Profit Boost Driven by Crowds and Commercial Growth

Brisbane Broncos Limited (ASX:BBL) has posted a robust half-year profit before tax of $11.57 million for the six months ended 30 June 2026, up 33% from $8.69 million in the same period last year. This profit surge was underpinned by a 20.3% increase in total revenue to $59.72 million, reflecting stronger consumer and commercial engagement at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos hosted eight National Rugby League (NRL) home games during the period, matching the prior year’s schedule but attracting larger crowds. Average attendance rose 4.3% to 42,751, helping boost gate receipts, membership sales, and corporate hospitality. Membership numbers jumped 24% to 70,886, with ticketed memberships rising to 51,482 and full-season memberships increasing by over 44% to 24,147.

Merchandise and Sponsorship Revenues Surge

Merchandise sales nearly doubled, climbing 92.4% thanks to new product launches, more retail outlets, and higher game-day foot traffic. This translated into a 128.7% increase in merchandise royalties and commissions. Sponsorship revenue also grew 12.7%, supported by new partners and upgraded partnership categories for the 2026 season.

Despite a 2.7% decline in grants from the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to $11.11 million, mainly due to reduced expansion funding instalments, the Broncos offset this with strong organic growth across other revenue streams. Interest income rose 30.6%, reflecting higher interest rates and a larger investment base.

Costs Rise Alongside Growth in Crowds and Operations

Operating expenses increased 17.5% to $48.14 million, driven by higher stadium operations costs, merchandise cost of sales, marketing and sponsorship expenses, and football operations. Player salaries rose in line with contracts, alongside increased medical and travel costs, partly influenced by the timing of the NRL Women’s (NRLW) season and ongoing investment in academy and pathway programs.

Community program expenses remained steady, with a slight uptick in resource costs. The company’s net tangible asset backing improved to 46.6 cents per share, up from 41.9 cents a year earlier.

Dividend Policy and Outlook

No interim dividend was declared for the half-year, consistent with the prior period. However, shareholders received a fully franked final dividend of 2 cents per share and a special dividend of 1 cent per share earlier in the year.

Looking ahead, the Broncos project a likely increase in full-year financial results compared to 2025, though they caution that variables such as home crowd attendance for the remainder of the season, operational costs related to remaining NRL and NRLW games, team performance, and unpredictable player medical expenses could influence outcomes. Revenue and expenses from the remaining home games and player salaries will be recognised in the second half, meaning the half-year results should not be taken as a definitive full-year indicator.

The financial statements were independently reviewed by Ernst & Young with no material issues identified, affirming the reliability of the reported figures.