The Winnipeg Blue Bombers lost the Grey Cup but they keep winning at the gate.
The CFL club announced it posted a net operating profit of $5.7 million in 2023, a season that saw it finish atop the West Division for a third straight year, ending with a 14-4 record in the regular season.
The community-owned franchise also made a fourth straight Grey Cup appearance, dropping a 28-24 decision to the Montreal Alouettes at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.
Winnipeg announced its 2023 profit Thursday while releasing its annual report. That builds on a $4.9-million profit in 2022 and a profit of $2.1 million in 2021.
In the latest annual report, revenue totalled $50.5 million in 2023, up $5.1 million (11.2 per cent) over 2022.
The club’s gate receipts increased to $15.1 million (9.6 per cent ahead of last year) while game-day, merchandise and concessions revenue hit $11.5 million, (10.5 per cent increase).
However, the numbers continue to look bleak for Valour FC, the Winnipeg-based Canadian Premier League soccer club owned and operated by the Blue Bombers.
The report says that Valour lost $1.25 million last year and said the club’s finances continue to be uncertain.
The Bombers reported a $950,000 loss from operating the CPL franchise on its 2022 annual report.