Melbourne Rebels deep in the red as reality bites
Australian club could lose A$3 million as lack of sponsors in a crowded market hits hard
The Melbourne Rebels could lose as much as A$3 million (HK$21.6 million) this season as they battle to maintain a foothold in Australia's crowded sports market.
The Rebels have been propped up financially by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) since private investors withdrew support last year and face stiff competition for fans' hearts and wallets in a city dominated by Australian Rules football.
"(A$3 million) is a worst-case scenario," Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke said in comments published by The Australian newspaper yesterday. "I'm certainly not anticipating a A$3 million loss for the Rebels.
"There are a few levers within our control and we are pulling those levers as we go through the season.
"I am quite buoyed in some instances in terms of membership, gate etc. There are some pretty positive signs.
"It is hard to know because we still have five home games to go. Depending on how the team performs, that could influence significantly what the end result is going to be.
"We are still selling memberships and we are in discussions for some sizeable sponsorships, which could impact this year.