Ranking of the Wealthiest Rugby Clubs Globally in 2025
In the world of European rugby, 2025 has seen a vibrant and competitive landscape, with some clubs standing out as financial powerhouses. At the forefront is Toulon, boasting an annual budget of over 32 million euros, making it one of the wealthiest teams in European rugby.
Founded in 1907, Toulon's financial might stems from consistent success in the French Top 14 league and the European Champions Cup. This has resulted in strong matchday revenues, lucrative sponsorship deals, and substantial television income. The club's long-standing competitive prominence and historical brand appeal also contribute significantly to its robust finances.
Other clubs in the financial top tier include Racing 92 and Bath. Racing 92, a member of France's Top 14 league like Toulon, has demonstrated substantial spending power, particularly in player salaries. The club has attracted elite players such as Owen Farrell, who earns around £1.2 million per year, making him the highest-paid rugby player globally. Bath also competes financially at a high level, investing heavily in top talent like Finn Russell, earning about £1 million annually.
Stade Français Paris, another French club with a long history, has provided many famous players and British & Irish Lions captains. While specific details about the club's current financial status were not provided, its rich history and tradition have undoubtedly played a role in its continued success.
Across the English Channel, Leicester Tigers, an English rugby team, has won 21 major titles since 1979, including a record 11 Premiership Rugby titles. The club's home ground, Welford Road Stadium, is the UK's largest purpose-built club rugby ground, seating 25,849 spectators.
Meanwhile, Stade Chaban-Delmas, the home ground of Union Bordeaux Bègles (UBB), can hold about 34,000 people for rugby games. UBB was created in 2006 by the merger of two old Bordeaux clubs. Another French club, Montpellier Hérault Rugby (MHR), was created by the merger of Stade Montpelliérain and MUC Rugby in 1986. Its home ground, GGL Stadium, can hold more than 15,000 people.
Lyon Olympique Universitaire (LOU Rugby) has a history dating back to 1896. The Matmut Stadium Gerland, with a capacity of approximately 35,000, is the home ground of LOU Rugby. Toulouse, one of the oldest rugby clubs in Europe, founded in 1907, has a record number of French Top 14 titles and European Champions Cups. Its home ground, Stade Ernest Wallon, can hold about 19,500 people.
Stade Jean Bouin, which can hold about 20,000 people, is the home ground of Stade Français Paris. This club has won several Top 14 titles in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
In summary, the top European rugby clubs in 2025 maintain their wealth through a combination of on-field success, commercial revenues, and aggressive investment in star players, particularly within the financially powerful French Top 14 and English Premiership leagues. These clubs have capitalised on multiple revenue streams, including matchday income, broadcasting rights, sponsorship, and merchandise sales, combined with high-profile player acquisitions to sustain their competitive and financial status.
Sports clubs in the top financial tier, such as Toulon, Racing 92, Bath, Stade Français Paris, Leicester Tigers, Union Bordeaux Bégles (UBB), Montpellier Hérault Rugby (MHR), Lyon Olympique Universitaire (LOU Rugby), and Toulouse, generate wealth through various means in the world of European rugby. This includes consistent success in leagues like the French Top 14 and the English Premiership, commercial revenues, lucrative sponsorship deals, substantial television income, and aggressive investment in high-profile players.
