Lancashire reports record non-Ashes year profit
Lancashire Cricket has reported a record £4.7 million operating profit for the year ending 31 December 2024, marking its strongest financial performance during a non-Ashes year. This follows an operating profit of £5.3 million in 2023. The Club also posted turnover of £34.1 million and a surplus before tax of £0.2 million.
Despite challenges from weather-disrupted matches and a less high-profile international fixture calendar, non-cricket revenues surged, highlighting the Club’s evolving business model. Hotel revenue exceeded international cricket income for the first time in the Club’s history, driven by a full year of operations for the expanded Hilton Garden Inn.
Matchday revenue impacted by weather and fixture draw
Cricket income declined year-over-year, as 2023 had featured an Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford, which was not repeated in 2024. Two major 2024 fixtures—an Australia IT20 and the Roses T20—were both rained off. Still, the Sri Lanka Test Match attracted 55,000 spectators in August.
In total, the Club sold 57,148 Vitality Blast tickets, including a sell-out Roses T20, and closed the year with 7,483 members.
Strong growth from non-cricket events and hotel
The Club’s diversified revenue stream was a key theme in 2024. Hotel, conference, and events revenue rose by 19% year-over-year, supported by a full calendar of operations at the Hilton Garden Inn, which completed its expansion in October 2023 to reach 250 rooms.
Emirates Old Trafford also hosted three concerts—two nights by the Foo Fighters and one by Green Day—drawing 150,000 attendees in total.
New development at Farington underway
Construction began in 2024 on Lancashire Cricket’s second home in Farington, in partnership with Lancashire County Council. The project includes a professional and community oval, net facility, and an indoor pavilion with viewing areas. Completion is scheduled for 2026.
Manchester Originals stake sale to RPSG Group
In February 2025, Lancashire Cricket announced exclusive negotiations with the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, who agreed to acquire a 70% stake in Manchester Originals. The deal includes the sale of 21% from Lancashire’s ECB-gifted stake, alongside the ECB’s entire 49% holding.
Promising outlook for 2025
Emirates Old Trafford will host a marquee summer of international cricket in 2025, including:
- Men’s Test Match: England vs India
- Men’s IT20: England vs South Africa
- Return of international women’s cricket to the venue after over a decade: England vs India Women’s IT20
Membership has already surpassed 9,000 in 2025, with strong ticket sales reported—particularly for the India Men’s Test.
Angela Lowes, CFO of Lancashire Cricket: “Our Annual Report highlights the strength of our diversified model. With hotel revenue now exceeding cricket income, we’re well-placed for long-term sustainability—especially with the upcoming RPSG investment.”
Read the full 2024 Annual Report, which will be presented to Members at the Annual General Meeting later today.
