The futures of football, rugby and cricket clubs have been thrown into doubt after seasons were suspended, according to the Onward think tank. Its analysis of professional sports clubs' accounts reveals ending the season early would cost lower-tier football clubs an average £1.8million in TV and gate receipt income – 56% of revenue. The resumption of matches behind closed doors would leave EFL clubs with 30% less revenue on average, it says. Of the 92 English football league, rugby Super League, rugby union Premiership and county cricket clubs studies, two-thirds (62 clubs) recorded an operating loss in their most recent accounts – exposing the precarious finances of clubs going into the crisis, the study warns. “Even if play resumes, the suspension of the season risks relegating dozens of clubs to the tides of history.

Source: Daily Mirror May 14, 2020 23:01 UTC