Earning millions from playing
By Håvard Lindheim, 17 March 2005, 16:10
Royal League isn't just a success in the sports aspect; economically, too, it goes great. Rosenborg has already gained €530.000 in price money.
All the 12 contenders received €150.000 in "welcome money". During Group stage 1, a victory gave €30.000, while a draw resulted in the sum of €18.000. The six clubs that advanced into the second stage earned additionally €180.000 for the deed. Now, a draw means €30.000 and a win about €60.000.
Rosenborg's four wins and two draws in the eight Royal League matches so far has hence given this income:
"Starting money" Group stage 1: €150.000
3 wins x €30.000 €90.000
1 draw x €18.000 €18.000
Qualifying for 2nd stage €180.000
1 win x €60.000 €60.000
1 draw x €30.000 €30.000
------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: €578.000
At the moment, two matches remain of the second group stage, which could give an additional sum of €120.000. Qualifying for the final give €120.000 as well, while winning the final gives €240.000. In other words, RBK fight for another €480.000.
In addition, the ticket sales from the four home matches, but these haven't been high: Against Vålerenga IF and Esbjerg the season card holders had free entrance, while against Djurgården and Malmö the tickets were sold at low prices.
Whatever the total results, the Royal League income is welcome for RBK - even tough the club receives millions from their Champions League efforts.
"These are good money, and we'll get a nice profit. We did budget with some income from the Royal League both last year and this year. What we didn't rely on, was qualifying for the second group stage, and that gives us a fine bonus this year," Managing Director Nils Skutle tells rosenborg.info.
RBK has had some expenditures too, with the early opening of Lerkendal, warming up the picth, and away matches.
"But these costs aren't very high, so the net result is fine with us," Skutle says.
"In all, Royal League has been a great experience so far. The reactions from the other Norwegian clubs have been all positive. I attended a football meeting last week, and all felt that this is positive," the RBK Managing Director says.
"The only negative factor has been the weather. They have had problems in Oslo, in Sweden and now in Bergen as well. That's somewhat frustrating."
Still, the Royal League is a newcommer here to stay. Owners of broadcaster TVNorge, SBS Broadcasting, has bought the TV rights for three + two years, and hence the tournament is guaranteed income that will find their way to the participating clubs.
"It's great to have something to play for during this time of year. To be crowned Scandinavian Master is something worth fighting for," Nils Skutle says.
All the 12 contenders received €150.000 in "welcome money". During Group stage 1, a victory gave €30.000, while a draw resulted in the sum of €18.000. The six clubs that advanced into the second stage earned additionally €180.000 for the deed. Now, a draw means €30.000 and a win about €60.000.
