Ranking of the Wealthiest Professional Rugby Teams Globally in 2025
In the world of rugby, Europe continues to hold a significant presence, with France and England leading the financial charge. Here's a look at the top clubs dominating the financial rankings in 2025.
Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse's home ground, can accommodate approximately 19,500 spectators. Toulouse, one of Europe's best rugby clubs, founded in 1907, boasts a record number of French Top 14 titles and European Champions Cups. With an annual budget surpassing €32 million, Toulon, another French powerhouse, leads the pack.
Toulouse's rivals, Clermont Auvergne, are another significant financial player in European rugby. Meanwhile, Racing 92, noted for its big spending on top talent, has the highest-paid player, Owen Farrell, earning around £1.2 million per year. Bath Rugby, a Premiership club, completes the top five, with player salaries around £1 million per year, indicating strong financial backing.
The French Top 14 teams and a few English Premiership clubs, like Bath, dominate the financial landscape of European rugby. While exact rankings beyond Toulon are less clear, the concentration of wealth is evident in these clubs, bolstered by large budgets, lucrative player contracts, and strong commercial and broadcast revenues.
Leicester Tigers, one of England's most successful rugby clubs, also features prominently. Their home, Welford Road Stadium, is the UK's largest purpose-built club rugby ground, seating 25,849.
Montpellier Hérault Rugby (MHR), formed through the merger of Stade Montpelliérain and MUC Rugby in 1986, has brought in and developed a number of strong players, including Paul Willemse, Anthony Bouthier, Paolo Garbisi, and Cobus Reinach.
In France, MHR, Toulouse, and Clermont Auvergne have been winning the Top 14 title in the recent seasons. Stade Français Paris, with a long history, especially during its amateur days, has also won several Top 14 titles in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Racing 92 plays at the Paris La Défense Arena, a stadium that can hold up to 32,000 people for rugby games. Union Bordeaux Bègles (UBB), created in 2006 through a merger of two old Bordeaux clubs, plays at Stade Chaban-Delmas, which can accommodate about 34,000 people. Since moving up to the Top 14, UBB has become a very strong team.
Toulon's wealth is attributed to their regular success in both the Top 14 and the European Champions Cup. Stade Français Paris, despite not being as financially powerful, has a rich history and has produced many global stars who have contributed to the national team's success.
In conclusion, European rugby's financial power is concentrated in France and England, with the French Top 14 teams and a few English Premiership clubs leading the way. The top clubs, such as Toulon, Toulouse, Clermont Auvergne, Racing 92, Bath Rugby, Leicester Tigers, and MHR, have large budgets, strong commercial and broadcast revenues, and wealthy owners or regional support, making them the financial giants of European rugby in 2025.
Sports such as rugby continue to thrive financially in Europe, with French and English clubs dominating the scene. Notable clubs like Toulon, Toulouse, Clermont Auvergne, Racing 92, Bath Rugby, Leicester Tigers, and Montpellier Herault Rugby (MHR) lead the way with substantial budgets, lucrative player contracts, and strong commercial and broadcast revenues.
