Packers record big financial loss in 2020
Like many NFL franchises the Green Bay Packers were hit hard from the moment COVID spread across America. The NFL’s smallest market announced on Friday they lost $38.8 million over the last fiscal year, which ended on March, 31.
“It was the first time we haven’t had a profit in over 20 years,” Murphy revealed, via Bill Huber of SI.com.
For context, the Packers most recent operating previous was prior to its Lambeau’s renovation in 2003.
As is well known, most teams, 13 to be precise, played without a single fan last season. Unsurprisingly, the league leader in attendance was the Dallas Cowboys with an average of 28,187 packed in to AT&T Stadium at their home games.
Green Bay disclosed a $371.1 million earning in total revenue, naturally well down on its record-setting $506.9 million from the 2020 fiscal year.
“COVID obviously impacted the Packers from a financial perspective,” Murphy said.
“Our local revenue was significantly impacted. Still, we really feel that we remain in a strong financial position going forward and that we will continue to be able to provide the resources for the organization to be successful both on and off the field. As we all faced health and economic challenges with the pandemic, we really feel we emerged in a very good financial position.”
It wasn’t all bad news for the Pack, and NFL more broadly, with teams splitting a $9.894 billion national revenue share. Up $42 million from the previous season. You can thank the expanded playoffs.
“It’s a real credit to the league that we were able to play a full slate of regular-season games and postseason games,” Murphy said.
“It was really crucial. We knew if we were able to get all the games broadcast that would cover all of our player expenses.”
The stage is set for a $10+ billion total for the 2021 fiscal year (began April 1) with the introduction of a 17-game regular season.