The Saskatchewan Roughriders held their 2021-22 Annual General Meeting in Harvard Broadcasting’s Studio 620 at Mosaic Stadium on August 23, 2022. Chief Financial Officer Kent Paul presented the report which featured the following highlights:
FINANCIAL REPORT
In 2021-22, the Club had excess revenues over expenses from operating activities of $3.9 million compared to excess expenses over revenues from operating activities of $8.4 million in the prior year. Over the past two years of operations, the Club experienced excess expenses over revenues from operating activities of $4.5 million.
Roughrider football returned in 2021 for a shortened 14-game season. As a result of the shortened season, the Club brought in less revenue from gate receipts and other game day related revenues than the 2019 full season. However, a strong performance on the football field meant additional revenue from hosting (and winning) the West Semi-Final against the Calgary Stampeders.
The return of football prompted the start of the Club’s financial recovery. All of the Club’s operating revenues experienced significant increases from the prior year but were still lower than 2019 which was the Club’s previous “normal” season.
- Total gross revenues were $33.8 million in 2021-22 compared to $10.3 million in 2020-21.
- The Club’s operating expenses increased to $29.9 million compared to $18.7 million in the year prior, due to the return of the season.
Despite a strong rebound both on and off the field after the cancelled 2020 season, the Club is still forecasting a multi-year recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic but will be aided by hosting a full season in 2022 along with the 109th Grey Cup and the 2022 Grey Cup Festival.
MERCHANDISE
Merchandise revenues in 2021-22 increased 103% from the prior year primarily due to the re-opening the retail stores and the ability to host a 2021 season. The Club had increased sales at all store locations as well as online at riderstore.ca.
SPONSORSHIP
In 2021-22, the Club had a strong recovery of its sponsorship revenues thanks to the relationships with partners and proud supporters who are key contributors in driving our success. Sponsorship revenues increased to $7.2 million compared to $3.5 million in the prior year.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Saskatchewan Roughriders Board of Directors newly elected Regan Exner and Blair Ross. Eric Dillon, Terri Harris-Strunk, Dave Pettigrew (Vice-Chair), Greg Yuel (Lead Governor) had their Board terms renewed for an additional three years and Barry Clarke (Chair), Rhonda Ekstrom, Doug Hodson, Mackenzie Kilshaw, Rob Vanderhooft will continue on in their current terms.
Arnie Arnott, and former Chair of the Board Randy Beattie have completed their time on the Board of Directors. The Club thanks them for their commitment to the Saskatchewan Roughriders and their guidance through some of the Club’s most challenging times.
