Turnover was up year-on-year – but the club made multi-million pound losses still
Daniel Clark Content Editor
15:04, 02 Apr 2026
(Image: Getty Images)
Bristol Bears have reported a pre-tax loss of £5.6 million for the 2024/25 financial year, according to the club’s latest annual accounts.
For the year ending June 30, 2025, the club’s total turnover sat at £11.1 million, up £600,000 on the previous year, due to improved matchday and merchandise sales as well as ticket income gained from the ‘Big Day Out’ fixture played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
But despite increased turnover, there was still a multi-million pound loss, which reflects the high cost of maintaining a competitive squad in the Gallagher Premiership, a statement with the accounts state.
The club stated that its cost base is intentionally aligned with a “long-term ambition to compete consistently at the top level” and that while the loss is substantial, it is a common story across the Premiership, where clubs continue to balance the “salary cap” reality with the need for investment in high-performance infrastructure.
Bristol Bears CEO Tom Tainton said: “As always, we express our gratitude to the Lansdown family for their continued direction and support as owners. We continue to earmark opportunities to grow revenue and reduce our costs as we strive for financial sustainability. We have a clear strategy to deliver on these objectives over the next three years.”
A statement issued on the club’s website reads: “ Bristol Rugby Club Limited has today published its annual report and consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025, reflecting a year of continued on-field progress alongside sustained investment in the club’s long-term development.
“The consolidated results report turnover of £11.1m and a pre-tax loss of £5.6m. On an underlying basis, excluding the accounting treatment of RFU Academy funding, turnover increased to £12.5m, representing growth of £0.6m compared to the prior year. This was driven by strong performances in matchday income and retail, with the ‘Big Day Out’ fixture at the Principality Stadium a standout occasion played in front of a crowd of more than 51,000.
“The club’s cost base reflects continued investment in high-performance rugby, aligned with its long-term ambition to compete consistently at the top level while delivering sustainable growth and positive community impact.”
A statement with the accounts said: “Match ticket sales and youth engagement strengthened over the 2024/25 season. Average Premiership league attendance increased by 13% to 21,439, driven in part by record youth ticket sales (Under-12 and Under-19). Youth engagement emerged as a standout success story with young supporters now representing 17.6% of the total crowd – the highest proportion in the club’s history.
“Attracting and retaining younger audiences remains a strategic priority, and the vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that it brings bodes well for its long-term future. Individual match ticket demand reached record levels, with the club successfully attracting an average of 877 first-time purchasers per league game.
“These new supporters demonstrated strong engagement, purchasing an average of 3.3 tickets per transaction, indicating a growing tendency to introduce friends and family to Bears rugby. The demographic profile of these new supporters was particularly positive: 32% were female and 20% were aged 24 or under. This reflects meaningful progress in diversifying the audience base and strengthening long-term supporter growth.”
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It added: “The 2024/25 year saw significant growth in match-day ticket sales and merchandise revenue, with particular success from the launch of a traditional hooped playing shirt; this success was offset by a change in the funding structure, and related accounting, in respect of central funding.
“Although the cost of sales rose due to higher attendances and the addition of an extra fixture, administrative expenses declined. The Club effectively managed inflationary pressures and increases in minimum wage and national insurance by driving operational efficiencies, including lower stadium costs.”
On the pitch, after successive defeats, Bristol Bears will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday – and will be backed by a travelling army of 1,200 supporters will make the journey to France.
Pat Lam’s men take on the six-time winners Stade Toulousain in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash in what will be the first ever meeting between the two sides, and will do so off the back of defeats to Leicester Tigers and Harlequins in the PREM – and six losses in total after four PREM Rugby Cup beatings.
Bears won three out of four games in the pool stages, including a historic victory over Bulls at Loftus Versfeld to finish third in their group. Toulouse – the competition’s most decorated club – secured two wins during the pool phase to reach the last 16, but because they finished second, they get a home tie.
The visitors will be well supported by the Bears faithful at one of European rugby’s most iconic venues, with fans travelling from the West Country in significant numbers to play their part in what promises to be a memorable Champions Cup occasion.
Tainton said: “It’s tremendous away support for the team in what promises to be one of the biggest occasions of our season. Facing Toulouse is one of the biggest challenges in European rugby and I know that Pat and his team are relishing that opportunity.
“On behalf of all of us at Bears, we’re grateful for the Bears fans who will be supporting us, both in France and back home, as we embark on the knockout stages of the competition.”
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