Paced by a massive payday from the USA v New Zealand game, USA Rugby’s revenue in 2014 improved over $4 million from 2013.

The organization’s financial reports indicate that the 34.6% increase in revenue ($4.2 million) was largely due to event revenue. Event revenue increase $3.4 million to $5.36 million, a jump of 178%, and accounted for 82% of USA Rugby’s revenue increase over 2013.

Membership, Corporate Sponsorship, and High Performance Grants all saw modest increases (the HP grants are usually dependent on the relative strength of the US dollar, which accounts for some of its fluctuation).

Donations and income from licensing were down in 2014.

The increase in event revenue, however, was countered by a commensurate increase in expenses. This was led by $1.2 million in match fees paid, for the most part, to the New Zealand Rugby Union for showing up to the game in Chicago in November, 2014. Still, it turned out to be a net gain for USA Rugby. In 2013, the organization recorded a net loss on events, bringing in $1.9 million and spending $2.54 million for a loss of $616,739. In 2014, events were a net profit of $249,129, making a turnaround of just under $866,000.

Membership Dues, normally the #1 revenue producer for USA Rugby, was surpassed by Events in 2014. Membership revenue increase 3.4% from 2013 to $4.48 million. Membership expenses are listed as $1.4 million (70% of that is for insurance), meaning that about $3 million in Membership Dues are used by USA Rugby for other services and initiatives. 

USA Rugby’s expenses for the Men’s Senior National Teams was the entity that saw the biggest increase in expenses, at $2.97 million up 33.8% from $2.22 million in 2013. Much of the income and expense listed in USA Rugby’s financial records are not cash, but in-kind support, such as an outfitter providing uniforms, or World Rugby paying for airfare to an event.

The biggest line item for the Men’s National Teams was travel, lodging, meals, and transportation (listed as one item) $886,566. Second was “contract labor” at $548,841, which is basically the Men’s 7s team in residency. The per diem payment to 15s national team players was $313,945, which works out to be $100 per day for a little over 100 days.

The Women’s Senior National Team budget was $1.37 million, up 24% from 2013, commensurate with it being a Women’s Rugby World Cup year.

Rugby International Marketing, the for-profit arm of USA Rugby, was listed as having very little activity in 2014, absorbing $97,686 in expenses in events and marketing, and no income.

USA Rugby listed a net surplus of $177,049 for 2014, reducing their Net Assets deficit to $338,325.