We should never under-estimate the benefits of Foxtel in keeping Rugby financially afloat - particularly at the professional level.
It's certainly not bums on seats at the grounds.
Looking at average crowds attending home & away matches of the main codes in 2015:
AFL - 32,200 - 300k/week
ARU/SR - 16,300 - 80k/week (MAX - if ALL 5 teams are playing at home)
NRL - 14,900 - 120k/week
A-League - 12,300 - 60k/week
In 2016, the the crowds for SR games (in Australia) are slightly less than last year.
Averages up to end Round 7:
Waratahs - 22,200
Reds - 16,700
Brumbies - 12,000
Force - 11,600
Rebels - 10,800
Average - 15,600
The Force and Rebels are attracting about the same av. crowds as GWSydney - 11k and GCoast - 12k did in 2015.
This drop in attendance is not just a problem for the Force but for Rugby Union.
In 2006, average Force attendance was 28k/week
By 2011 this had reduced to 16k/week.
By 2015 down to 11.6k/week.
The reduction for Aussie SR Totals per week is even more dramatic.
This paints a very bleak picture for Rugby.
The most recent high attendance at NIB were:
2016 - 12k - Crusaders
2015 - ???
2014 - 16k - Chiefs
2013 - 17k - Crusaders
2012 - 17k - Chiefs
2011 - 22k - Crusaders (HIGHEST)
2010 - 19k - Crusaders
Rugby League - 20k for Rabbitohs v Warriors games over past 3 years.
For the Force to fill NIB, not only do the Force need to be competitive/win more but the ARU have to do a lot more to promote the game in WA and elsewhere.
IF the ARU is unsuccessful, then I struggle to see how the professional game in Australia can continue in its current form.
