‘A good year financially’: Roughriders report $2.1M profit, highest merchandise revenues since 2018

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are reporting strong financial results from its past fiscal year, with the team boasting an increase in gross revenue along with a net operating profit of $2.1 million.

The club held its annual general meeting (AGM) on Tuesday for the fiscal year that ended on March 31.

According to a report released from the organization, the Riders’ total revenues for 2024-25 were $40.8 million, a 15 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year. Operating expenses were $38.7 million, up from $36.7 million the year prior, resulting in a net profit of more than $2 million.

“It was a good year financially,” Riders CEO Craig Reynolds told reporters Tuesday. “[We] bounced back on the field. Anytime you’re able to have every major revenue item grow and manage your expenses, you tend to have a really good financial year.”

“Also hosting the playoffs is important,” he added.

In 2023-24, the team reported a net loss of $1.1 million.

• ‘It was a disappointing year’: Roughriders lose $1.1 million in 2023

The Riders are attributing its strong fiscal year to a better on-field performance, one that saw the team host a home playoff game, as well as strong merchandise sales with the release of the new obsidian green third jersey and alternate logo.

Merchandise sales brought in revenues of $6.5 million, the highest since 2018, the team said.

““The [obsidian] jersey is still selling very well,” Reynolds said. “We’re ahead of where we were at this time last year in terms of merchandise sales. We’ve been very busy in the store.”

The team says it also saw an increase in gate receipts, going from $14,037,247 in 2023-24 to $14,358,495 in 2024-25.

“The increase was driven by record setting single game tickets including breaking the new Mosaic Stadium’s single-game attendance record for the Labour Day Classic. These strong results were offset by a decrease in season tickets,” the team said in the report.

“We’re seeing some positive trends, which is nice because over the past couple years, we had seen some decline in season tickets,” Reynolds added. “And you’re more susceptible to the things like the schedule, weather and purchasing habits.”

“But I will say this is, I’m pretty confident we’re going to have season attendance growth this this year,” the Riders’ CEO highlighted.

Sponsorship revenues were also up, increasing from $8 million to $8.7 million, according to the report.

The team also said it received $6.7 million in CFL distributions.

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An increase in expenses was primarily due to hosting a home playoff game and continued investment in football operations, the team said.

“Merchandise expenses increased related to an increase in merchandise costs associated with increased sales. Football operations increased, driven by player salaries, medical and equipment costs. Ticket office costs increased as a result of increased sales,” the team said in the report.

Stadium rent also increased by its annual inflationary amount but was offset by the adjustment to previous rent amounts owing, which was agreed upon by the City of Regina relating to the pandemic, the report said.

On the field the Riders have started the 2025 regular season 3-0. Following two road games they return home to host the B.C. Lions Saturday at 5 p.m.